I have had to reduce our 401(k) and contributions to the 529 plan for the kids to make up this difference.

my rule of thumb is if the street has a center yellow line on it than I tend to look the other way unless it is an IMPOSSIBLY great deal to pass up. maybe busy streets dont have lines in your area, but point is that it is very hard to decide how much a major street effects the property. just because an appraiser or the county gives it a 10% reduction in value doesnt mean that you can reduce the price by 10% and assume that it will sell.

That's by-far the best piece of advice -- build a box.I'm certainly no expert, but here are some other things that I've learned about reducing new construction costs:- To reiterate from above, build a box -- reduces framing, siding and roof complexity/cost

With the world moving towards becoming more energy conscious and renovating homes for the future of our cities, does it make sense financially and logistically (time scales) to build more innovative homes with a focus on energy independence and less waste? 

One recommendation: focus your energy on executing the strategy you want to pursue.

We went through this January during an extended rehab.The Sulfate-reducing bacteria can survive in both your HW system & water softener due to lack of use.

It was really nice modern appliances, energy efficient, built in surround sound and a cozy fireplace, pretty much everything had been redone.

I can look at this two ways - - 1) Having a dishwasher may open my tenant field and reduce vacancy time. 2) People that knowingly rent a property without a dishwasher are willing to do dishes, and therefore likely willing to do regular household maintenance?

Besides being in real estate, I am also an artist and love to hike in and around Sonoma County.My plan is to invest some energy into reading and contributing on this site, to pick up investing ideas.

I would even consider stopping payments to your 401K or at least reducing them to the amount that is matched (if any) until the debt is paid off.