Water, gas for heat, gas for cooking, gas for hot water heater, same for electric etc.  

That's right around the supply house price here for a low end 2 ton system and that's without a line set, electrical, installation, and any other materials.    

Do you have information on the normal big ticket items such as roof, HVAC, electric and plumbing?

Regarding it being a defective stove.....If it's electric then that should never happen but on some gas stoves the broiler is in the bottom drawer.

The realtors info provided to me was "annual expenses on the property are 6870 dollars which includes grass cutting, snow removal, gas, water, electric, trash removal, septic maintenence, applicance updates, lighting, painting, repairs, etc.

im thinking i need new mechanicals, plumbing and electric.

So you go there ..all checks out nice tuckpointing, somebody upgraded the electric service , looks like newer windows, cant see the roof but what the heck..it should be fine right ?

For example I could see that actual electrical work  costing x dollars and I would use that to help shop other contractors if needed.

That includes trenching for electrical lines, skim coating drywall, landscaping, and - yes - due diligence on new purchases.I don't know if that's a "mentor" or not, but I admire folks who roll up their sleeves and dive in.

If you're going to be doing bigger things (roofing, adding walls, plumbing, electrical, decks, etc) you may want to use a GC.