You owe your counter-party a standard of honesty and transparency - be sure they understand that you are an agent, but don't represent them, and are looking at their house as a for-profit investment.The pros and cons have been discussed endlessly on BP.  

Quote from @Michael Rodriguez: Howdy fellow Memphis investors,Any ideas for protecting thieves from pulling out the HVAC copper pipe? 

* And most importantly, does it open us up to counter lawsuits? 

. Move outlet from behind range to more optimal location Install GFCI outlets within 4 feet of each other along counter space.o At Least two dedicated lines – all on GFCI breakers and at least one GFCI outletper circuit Install dedicated electrical circuits as follows:o Microwave: Dedicated 20-amp circuit (12/2 NM wire with a ground).o Garbage disposal: Dedicated 15-amp circuit (14/2 NM cable with a ground).o Refrigerator: Dedicated 20-amp circuit (12/2 NM wire).o Gas range: Dedicated 120-volt, 20-amp circuit (12/2 NM cable).o Dishwasher: Dedicated 15-amp circuit (14/2 NM cable with a ground).Bathroom Demolish existing bathroom elements. Install new cement board on floor and tub surround.o Seal with cement tape and red guard Install new fan, light, mirror, vanity, and replace toilet lid. Remove old tile and install new tile. Install new hardware and replace any old drain and supply lines. Install niche and tile from bathtub to ceiling. Install new bathtub and GFCI outlet. Light and fan on same switch Install all necessary plumbingLiving Room Install sliding door board trim. Install spot lights. Install 3-way switches in the hallway, living area and staircase (where marked). Install new air vent covers.Hallway/Staircase Install 10-inch LED light. 3-way switch (one near kitchen other near bedroom) Place laminate with Metal bullnose Install spotlights over staircase and one at landing at the bottomo lights on 3 way switchesBalcony Paint railing. Replace lightBedrooms Install spotlights in bedroom (up to four per bedroom). Install new fan. Spackle, sand, and paint. Paint closets and shelving, ensuring proper installation of shelves. Install spotlight in walk-in closet.Outside Paint stair railing. Install or repair 2 doorbells. Install or repair 2 exterior lights.Materials Included Cement/hardy board, drywall material. Granite slab for countertop and bar. Kitchen sink (D shape). Setting materials (thinset, grout, drywall tape, red guard, etc.). Baseboards, door, and balcony trim. Plumbing materials (excluding fixtures). Fastener screws.Total labor cost: $13,000

The Seller/Listing Agent could've countered the escalation, but that's usually a "tell" to the strength of the competing offers. 

And yes, there is a risk that your rates would go up or they can drop you - but unfortunately, many insurers in that are may already be planning to exit the market or raise rates on everyone to make up for loses.One thing to note about a claim like this, insurance will usually pay for repairs to the damage caused by the problem, but not fixing the actual pipe that broke.

For certain areas annual pest control may be needed for colder areas maybe you run the risk of freezing pipes.

This seems counter-intuitive as I doubt you’ll ever find a really good PM company but the headaches of managing any kind of a problem remotely overshadows the ongoing concern that a PM company is inefficient and expensive (at least it does for us).

You may place a bid even a reasonable one and they reject it or counter it for $1000 less then their asking.I read Some of these comments and someone said they have a law firm attached to them to help this process to obtain the actual note.

He ended up suing them for the $3000 in damage caused when the pipes burst in the laundry room and flooded the kitchen.