When you say "scrape the pad and bring in dirt", I do hope that's based on engineering specs.

I attended the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY, graduating with a degree in Engineering in 2002.

@Zach Wilson I'm a software engineer/data analyst.

Not only could the inspector refer anyone to me for a structural inspection, but all the structural engineers I called won't do anything during the home buying process to influence or discourage the buyers decision.

I'm a structural engineer with 8 years experience and 12 years or architectural development working in Northwest Washington, primarily on Whidbey Island, WA. 

In the short term though, I think this could eat some of the cash flow.My plan B would be to continue to live in the property for more than 1 year if the market continues to be weak and I struggle to increase the rent enough to make the property profitable.Do you think this is a robust plan?

Have a structural engineer on hand.

When they sit down in their seat and look out jet engine and none say to themselves ' GE is making such crap these days, I could turn out a way better turbo fan in my garage'.

The renovation budget will include both the labor and material the contractor quotes and the "soft" costs -- permits, engineering, architectural, etc (as applicable).You'll be well-serviced by connecting with a contractor and a HUD-approved 203k consultant early on as well.

Most space engineering companies are there from Lockheed to NASA.