Now I'm almost to the finish line!

After lining everything up for the deal, the new appraisals finally came in right before closing and they were 80k less than the 2 yr old appraisals. it was still enough to get the deal done but not what we expected at all. 

Then use a Dremel/file/grinder to slowly grind away the material to match my template line....go slow and creep up on the fit with frequent test fitting.

The adjusted basis is equal to original cost + improvements - Depreciation taken on your return.You can look at your prior year tax returns to see how much basis was taken.See Schedule E - Line 18 - Depreciation Expense or Depletion>You may be able to exclude all/portion of the sale of the house if you lived in the house for 2 out of the last 5 years.I had to spend a few months fixing up the house before I sold it.

I'm currently contesting the results of the appraisal and I'm waiting to hear their response, but I want to make sure that I have a contingency plan lined up just in case things turn sour. 

I won't bother with Craiglist because the last time I did that, I was ashamed at the number of people who could not spell-check their three line "cover letter".Wondering if there are other good websites or idea to find this type of talent. 

But, as you say, the bottom line is they are spot on in terms of what is on the test.

I bet they know the answers.Also a good background check will tell you most of what you need to know.

If it is the church or some other organization signing on that doted line, make sure you are comfortable with it.

Bottom line is to get into something that has positive cash flow.