Raising more than $200 can be shocking to many.

Something you can do to help is to make sure you describe the unit in poor condition, etc, on the Preliminary Change of Ownership Form, which you be required to fill out when you purchase it.

She works the Greater LA area, so there was some sticker shock for me (SC).

You have to pass an internal preliminary review AND a final review:"FINAL REVIEW - Once your deal passes the Preliminary Review, we will be setting up a webinar with you and your realtor to thoroughly examine and go through all the information you submitted.

You’d be shocked by how little actual screening many PMC’s do!

We would like to stay in the area if possible, but sticker shock is real and the bay area is not cheap. 

I'm shocked folks are not more concerned about how YOUR private data and YOUR private contracts can be used by people who know nothing about landlording or real estate.

A contractor's estimates could be okay too for preliminary purposes, but if you do not have any sort of plans done yet, I think an engineer's estimate would prove more accurate because they would have to determine actual quantities first. 

I can draw up a preliminary site plan and send it to you if you are interested.

I am even more shocked that you actually reposted helpful,constructive information!!