However, I have hit somewhat of a wall.

I bought a SFR in Alaska a few years ago, I asked about the furnace and the agent pointed to a freestanding white metal box, next to the wall in the dining room, that was about the size of a large printer.

CA is hot right now, so they could potentially get more than asking also giving this property's unique 2 separate houses setup vs. a shared wall.

We didn't get it but I look at it as the first step to getting in the right direction and breaking through "the wall".I spent 1 year+ looking for a place, we finally got up the balls / courage to get on top of it and put in an offer in Washington.Some tips for new people, my own opinions, that is from a lot of research and this experience:* It's a hot market and honestly I feel like some places are overpriced and becoming absurd. 

The only part that needs scraped , is the under part of the ceiling and some of the walls on the Porch area .

So that would equate to two guys at $50/hr a total of one week to install one 24" base and wall cabinet.

When you rehab you go in estimating a best case scenario and when you open walls up there are always surprises.  

I draw plans, for moving walls, windows, etc. and we've used them for permits in the past.

Check for soft spots on the floor and walls.

If they leave them out while they are gone, a lot of the larger breeds will chew up the walls and trim and eliminate all over the property.