If it is coded in a black substance then there is a good possibility you have Chinese drywall.

I had my property manager walk the property with me and the area is very blue collar with lots of families (definitely not blighted) but in this neighborhood, it is obvious that 75 years ago when this was built there were no building codes.

@Matt Musser that is a great ideal for a topic to help others understand that we can and do know how to apply our experiences to the outside world but it normally gets discounted.

A realtor offering their opinions to you while you have an agent could walk close to the line of violating the NAR code of ethics.

I'm not familiar with Los Angeles zoning code, but make sure you have city or zoning approval.  

What you read off where the actual codes that where violated, these could be check on the City web Site to get what the exact problem is.

No one forces consumers to use an agent and most areas offer discount brokerages (Flat Fees). 

With us taking over the distressed debt when we buy a NPN, the banks are willing to sell these assets often at a steep discount.

Everything needs to be done safely and correctly according to code regardless of who does the work.

Area code 41048.