I had sent the seller an email stating I wanted it handled at the lowest possible level; however, he felt otherwise.

They offer levels of safety because they offer other "exit" plans.I agree that The Book on Estimating Rehab Costs, together with the calculator in the tools section can be very helpful. 

I started investing at the beginning of 2021.  I've done a few deals but feel like i'm missing opportunities because there is still a lot I don't understand.  It's easy to see what investors are paying for properties ...

This keeps the playing field even since I am incentivized to accept other tenants who I don't have to pay the fee so this keeps their clients on a level playing field. 

I purchased this home and later found out later that there were not a permit pulled for the lower level being finished.

I’ve used @Yonah Weiss and his firm gave me a high level estimated Cost Segregation to see tax savings before we spent a dime.

I really got to know the industry on a personal level and 2 of my flips were from clients.

Yes, it was added sometimes, but your statements are extraordinarily misleading and hysteria-producing.Extremely low levels that appear simply because a material is naturally sourced haven't ever been show to be a particular danger. 

Rock climbing gym project derailed because planners want sidewalk ramp up to building for wheelchair accessibility form street level on elevated site, Bend OR.

Assembly is pretty straightforward, It took me longer to prepare/level the base than to assemble the shed.