You may also want to consult with a local REALTOR that has a Historical Home Designation, they may be able to provide you with info/resources.Greater Rochester Assoc of REALTORS may be able to refer you to someone.

Physical inspections are the obvious determining factor and replacing strictly on a schedule will waste money, replacing before it leaks will save money.

I did inform both tenants that I was also selling the property so there was no deception on my part.I called my realtor and told him I was heading in the rent direction with this property, and if either of the 2 party's interested in purchasing the house didn't make a solid offer I was going to rent it by the end of this week.Yesterday I got an offer for the 86k guy for 102k less 3k in cc and no other concessions.I signed the offer and will profit $17k on this flip.There where 2 factors that made me decide to sell rather than rent,1.

It is my understanding that high ceilings were designed that way for the heat in the summer.

for a newbie ..the best property is the one that you can access as many times as possible before you close. having the property under contract and "acting" as an owner, contractors will talk to you ..you can get bids, quotes, do inspections, termite letters, radon tests, mold test, etc ...imagine bringing army of inspectors when an owner still lives there ..not possible. you control purchase price ...so make sure you factor all things you need to change, add, update into ur costs ...u need to discover as much stuff as possible. once u do 10 flips ..probably short 10 minute walk will be enough to get u rough idea ..but by that time ...inspect, inspect, inspect

On our high end homes we get a pro designer, but don't solicit feedback nearly as strategically.

They have the artistic talent and design knowledge to do so.

But this is kind of what Bigger Pockets is designed for - researching subject no matter how long ago they were written.  

But as you can see from your two comps its not the only factor.

Those are important factors to get the best feedback from the forum.