You can go to the internet and type in Construction Cost Estimates, They have several downloads that you can decide from, and will give you a calculated cost for each project

Maybe it's just internet marketing and I'm behind the times, but the crazy long pages filled with pictures... 

that depends on the builder... if they did a good job, that's probably the only one that will occur. talk to the neighbors and i bet they have the same cracks. ask them if it leaks.dont finish the basement. the ROI is not worth it unless you have done the numbers.

I made a big bet on Detroit, I bought 25 properties at rock bottom prices.  

I seriously doubt a judge would remove someone from title simply because they couldn't be served.If there is animosity between the two, then the best bet would be for You to find the girl friend, as a neutral third party, bearing gifts.

Frankly I'm a bit jealous.The best way to learn a language is to just dive right and get wet; I'm willing to bet learning facets of real estate is no different.

Networking with local wholesalers at your REIA might be your best bet.

It seems like every single person who knows the comparable home sales in the area and understands that their teir house needs repairing (and I bet they would underestimate these costs) would ask at least $125,000.Is finding properties as hard as it sounds?

(Just copied exactly how it was given) The tenant will be responsible for cable/internet and electricity.

I would do a search on BP/Internet to learn more about it.