As an investor I typically pay more emphasis to my understanding of the area and market trends for my farming area and focus on the key financial metrics and comparable sales.

Pull comparable properties to see if the property is priced right. priced high, or a steal.

Never buy only one fourplex, buy 2 or more so you can compare water bills.- Last but not the least: my 2nd fourplex: Fully occupied during appraisal but completely vacant when I got the keys!!!

Imagine if 20-30% of the buying transactions disappeared, and that's a good picture of what life would be like in a stricter system in those countries that you mentioned.These subsidized loans happens largely because US social policy is mostly non-existent towards public housing or rent subsidies when compared to those other home-owning countries.

Marysville Schools don't compare well with neighboring Districts (Lake Stevens).

My passive income is much less than my salary and bonus was, when I compare them before taxes.   

Yes, I can research online, but nothing compares to discussing real experiences with people that have actually done it.

The option money may be non-refundable but the amount will or will not be credited back to you if you do close on the property.Another item you mention is disclosing a defect-Texas has implemented some very harsh wording that states the Seller has to disclose, and if by chance the Realtor is aware of the defect they need to make sure the Seller has disclosed-lets face it we are all scared of any legal action. 

If I understand you correctly, you are suggesting that I need to consider if paying taxes on this deal is money well spent compared to a deal that I could get OPM on?  

Have them bid on the work you want done so you can compare prices and ask to see their previous work/make sure they are licensed, and can sign a liability agreement, protecting you and your business.