One property did have more severe issues that altered the roof line and waste water plumbing.

Nearly everything frankly - payroll, R&M, insurance, G&A.

Here is an example: SFH property listed for 135k that need little rehab it is on Embarcadero  Houston, TX 77082. it is 1800sf 3 BR and 1.5 bathrooms. the numbers are:P and I 562 (based on 30 years loan and interest rate 4.5)HOA 14Taxes 314 insurance 90so this come to $980 and not taking into consideration PM, vacancies, CAPeX, flood insurance. 

Brian Kraft I think what you have to start with is variables that you know: what they rent out for today, property taxes, vacancy for the area, insurance, PM fees, etc.

(b) Plumbing facilities which conformed to applicable law when installed and which are maintained in good working order.

You could do that or buy a 1 to 4 unit home and get a "house hacking" loan that is insured and only requires 3 1/2% down payment and usually about one year minimum move in/occupancy in 1 of the units. 

The downside for you is perhaps some things will be more expensive like insurance is a little higher but again nothing astronomical.

This is for architectural work only, and does not include the work of the other consultants (structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, etc.).So without having any other information but these several sentences from this architect, what is the best way to evaluate the offer from an architect?

In it is a section on Indemnification insurance, 20.B for those of you that have it.

I let my contractor registration and insurance expire this year because I have nothing planned in the city proper for a few years.