My hubby and I are a team - I'm the Realtor, designer, bookkeeper, "idea" person.

Walls need to be moved around to open areas up and to change the design for things like moving the master bath access to the master bedroom instead of the hall.

It looks like you are seeing the effects of the whole no down payment stuff.

I know how to install the cameras and set up the network so it's cost effective for me.Any thoughts?

I'm an engineer by trade, and Project Manager by career, and a problem solver by design. 

I feel your pain, some helpful hints are rinsing with cold water first to close the pores before more fiberglass gets into your skin, then soaking effected area in warm water and epson salt.

Effectively, my offer was 40% of the list price, and i justified it saying the repairs would be at least again the value of my offer.

Curious of what your most effective way of finding properties is? 

You will in effect be managing the property for whatever the cash flow is if you have to give it back in five years. 

Net effect will be the same,  but you're freeing up a Fannie Mae "number of financed properties" slot every 7-8 years instead of every 20 years.