However, In the Boston area, I am surprised at how many contractors say "I'm not going to tell you how I'm going to do certain things." they view it as "trade secrets.  

If the inspection comes back with very minor defects and they agree to fix them with licensed contractors in a week or less, it would be pretty hard to get out of the deal.I am a little surprised they accepted an "approval of partners" contingency, if they are fully on board, maybe offer to remove that one. 

I'm surprised that Ohio has such generous rents for properties in the sub-$100K range.Rents here in SW Missouri generally top out at $850-$900 for a 4 bdrm house. : (

Does the $5-7K you mentioned include a little slack for surprises?

So to me its no surprise that I have a lot to say when a topic covers both.

You may find a few surprises when you pull lower cabinets and why take a chance damaging new flooring a year or two later.

ANSWER YOUR PHONE - you would be surprised how many investors don't2.

Mobile home parks have some surprising value-adds as well. 

@Seth Nadreau I was really wondering if this happened to anybody else, just blew my mind how I walked into the surprise.  

I entered a max bid of $30k and watched the bids quickly increase to $9000, and then, surprise!