I know this can be property by property but assuming all major mechanicals are in order and a B-C neighborhood....With interest rates being at the highest levels I can remember, if a property cash flows and brings a single digit CoC return, does that make it a buy? 

The con with older houses is the mechanical systems and energy efficiency.

You need a good handle on the big dollar costs such as electrical mechanical and structural. 

The mechanicals​ and layout were in great condition, it just needed a facelift.

I would also check any contract you've had with your agent to see if there is any language giving them authority to provide direction on your behalf to a contractor.If the contractor truly acted on their own and is still threatening a mechanics lien, I would talk to an attorney. 

I'm mechanically inclined and was looking for a truck in the 3-5k range that is easy to live with and can seat 4 comfortably (for when my parents come).

Also make sue you fully understand the new mechanicals you may need to install and their price tags (sprinklers/Fire monitoring /etc)

Currently I remodeled one unit and all mechanicals too.

I do a lot of BRRRR’s and just make sure to update all major mechanicals and fix structural issues before throwing a tenant in there.We are flipping a house that’s probably 100 years old and practically rebuilding the whole thing.

I even have another house that I'm itching to pursue, but I want to get the mechanics of all this down a little more before I do.