Lessons Learned:1) Walk through with your contractor before making an offer to spot problems and to tighten up your offer;2) The calls come when you open the walls - contingency is important;3) Having a good contractor makes life easier;4) Keep receipts for everything - got my CO in the final hour because we could prove door from garage was solid wood;5) Take a moment to enjoy the process.

I understand about letting the wood dry out for a few months.I'll call HD and lowes tomorrow to see if they have the decking

The house is basically a bread and butter house, but it's on 3 acres, wooded with few neighbors, and has a big pole barn, so definitely desirable. 

I will say the installer isn't happy about it, but it has held up as well as concrete (actually, better), so far.For apts, I do LVP that looks like wood and one pattern everywhere other than the bath.

At least in my neck of the woods here in Lancaster County, PA.

That way when you do have a deal to share, they are more likely to invest with you.You’ve often heard the expression “out of sight, out of mind.”

That way when you do have a deal to share, they are more likely to invest with you.You’ve often heard the expression “out of sight, out of mind.”

Nowhere as "cheap" as the SFHs I'd seen in Texas, but a drivable distance in case of any issues, and just generally less daunting than investing in something thousands of miles away sight unseen.  

 I have personally seen cameras on model homes here in Texas (in plain sight, not hidden) but I would double check with someone about California to be sure. 

Especially in this neck of the woods!