What is the best way to fund this super-expensive repair without just writing a check and then, crossing fingers that the insurance company will pay up? 

If it is any you are going to warn me to make sure I have reserves, wait until I have reserves, more consistent income, etc, I am currently doing 3/4 transactions a month and I am more than confident that I will further ramp this up.

I went there and they stood watching with their arms crossed as I needed to call a professional.  

@Fabian G.Happens all the time here, your Realtor (if you used one) should have educated you on the pipes.However in this hot market it’s very common for buyers to move forward with the piping as is.I imagine it will be difficult and expensive to hold your inspector accountable so it would probably be best to negotiate with the buyer or find a buyer who doesn’t care.I recently sold a unit to a buyer whom I warned about the potential issues and he simply didn’t care and moved forward with the transaction.

How do you protect yourself in a lease option transaction when you are the buyer ?

This is a complex transaction you may want help on from an expert. 

There were transactions that would close, and my LO/boss barely even spoke to the people (if at all), just me.

@Dilini Peiris I am not an attorney but I would want a signed addendum instead of just crossing out dates on an already signed contract. 

Best of luck.I think you are talking about Miller Beach, Beverly Shores is closer to the Michigan border and Michigan City 

A lot of times the KP position can be pretty transactional.