So if an agent that deals with rentals as a primary and is in an area like NY or NJ says something contrary, trust their take on it.I would recommend saying something along the lines of: You are welcome to setup a time but your client will be responsibile for any fees associated with your services.

The house has major foundation issues, major roof issues, holes in the floor, and is generally in major state of disrepair.  

All reasons for the Service to dig dig dig.

Let's take a real example: I'm renting a condo 2bed/1.5bath for $925/mo right now - it's listed yesterday.The owner bought it for $17K, invested $5K - new cabinets, flooring, HVAC, HWT, paint.

I got a list from my contractor yesterday:roof - $4300windows - $2250flooring - $3200bathrooms (both) - $7000appliances - $1200paint inside and out - $2600door - $450total - $21,000That's about as detailed as I've ever had. as @Brian Pulaski said, you're paying for a complete service, it's common to get SOME lists of work, but vague ones.

Yes... take monthly MI especially if you know that your ARV or "after repair value," is at the very minimum 125% of your loan amount because this in essence means you have 20% equity (IE 100k ARV / 80k loan amount = 125%) and you can get your MI removed automatically after 12 months min (some mtg servicers vary but most are min 12 months for auto removal w/ equity documentation). 

Plus with the new sales price I should be able to bring the assessment down as well, leading to some additional savings on taxes there.I have two possibilities for this property, the first being to get it refinanced by a bank ASAP to pay off the seller financing and bring the debt service down by about half.  

Service chain saws, chipper, RAM 2500.

It had paruqe floors that were coming up in places old single pane aluminum windows and some aluminum wire.

I'm currently an active duty Marine with 14 years of service.