X usage for 3 cents, Y usage for 9 cents, Z usage for 90 cents kind of thing.Because if it is, a few smaller changes might eat a big part of the bill percentage wise.In Nevada I've found the heat resistant solar tint to make a noticeable difference (on good double pane windows).I didn't cost it out, but the A/C ran less and the was noticeably cooler without the UV load hitting the  carpet and furniture (service life they say is 10 years estimated).Maybe swap that hot tub over to propane or Nat Gas (but some of these can be loud).Are you paying commercial rates, should you be paying commercial rates, is there a difference where you are at (???)

DEQ requirements, soil testing and clean up is really eating into our estimated costs.  

With a W2 you can then get a mortgage.One house was never going to retire you or give you enough to eat. 

I would read a sh*t load, eat tuna and PB&J and get a house hack under your belt as soon as possible.

I try to eat 18 healthy meals per week (I often fail, but rarely eat fewer than 15 healthy meals) and most weeks am able to completely avoid foods that contain any sugar or variants whatsoever. 

Your property is gonna cost you an arm and a leg and the loan repayments are going to eat up most of your cash flow.

I would recommend buying properties with solid systems since you will be OOS and also roofs HVAC's and etc... eat up cash and will slow down your BRRR plans.

Or should I just let it go and eat the cost?

I would be lying if I said I wasn't trying to make a sale because at the end of the day, that's how I eat.

It's only a matter of time before they screw up or get tired of doing the job for peanuts.You can save 6.5% each month and in two years a mistake is made that could cost you $10,000 and eat up every penny of "savings" over the years.