If you ask how much something costs to repair and he/she can't give you a ballpark number they either don't know or aren't confident enough to give you an answer.First things that come to mind that people may not think of:- Crawlspace or Slab Foundation - Crawlspace makes it easier to relocate utilities and do structural repair if necessary now or in the future.- Cost of work required based on current market rates (for example right now electrical work is very expensive in Charlotte metro compared to historical norms)- Are any code issues with the City of Charlotte or LUESA? 

You can also fund improvements, like an FHA203k, but you don't have to live there & can do a lot of the work yourself.  

Also, if they are improving the efficiency of most appliances, would the future costs not be deferred by the future savings of such appliances?

I understand the desire to make all the profit and to have a big multiplier by improving the whole area.

I think once we get into spring it will improve.

Rehab it and improve it's value.

And maybe some other minor improvements.

Can the staging be improved?  

Maybe have your own home improvement co.

Also have no experience in construction and therefore lack the confidence to make an estimate on those costs when evaluating properties.