As a buyer, in a capitalistic society, you have the right to pay whatever you want for an item and as long as the seller and (in this case a) lender agree.I think banks and servicers are able to care of themselves.

If you're careful, you may be able to avoid a couple of these items.

But these are the big ticket items that I have (80 percent decided) on doing:Central HVAC ($3,000)Upgrade electric service ($1,000)Replace 60 year old wall oven and cook top ($?

But, all the major items are in good shape.

I find that the cheapest things to do that make the house go that extra mile are:Curb appeal of coursePainted cabinets and maybe new knobsPainted doors and new handlesnew carpet/hardwood or just very cleannew electrical switch platespaint or replace trimtile in foyer or just nice flooringnew shower curtains or clean sliding doorsadd window shutters painted an offset color of the housenice mailboxto expand on curb appeal:clean gutterspressure wash or clean sidingLandscaping is almost a must to sell really fastexterior lightsThese are just a few and are very basic items that can add to that WOW factor.

Most people could guess that an average water heater will ballpark something like $500, and there are some formulas for determining other items (for flooring we budget $2 x square footage of house).

Five years of no vacancies and taking care of a few items (bathroom floors, etc) while NOT LOSING rent is a great deal for the owner.all cash

We certainly use a lot of credit for consumer items and could save more.I heard a statistic that said the US consumer net worth was greater than the rest of the world combined.

Well I'm new to flipping, and hopefully will be doing my first flip soon.I've been trying to learn as much as possible, and have been pricing some items (flooring, cabinets, etc) trying to get a better idea of what exactly it might cost me to do a rehab.I'm wondering what's the best route to go with appliances...

There are NO long term studies but instances of all the items mentioned have been documented.