For instance, Warren Buffet can afford to speculate on something with a $500k downside, because losing $500k is nothing to him...but, for a typical person, losing $500k on a speculative move could mean bankruptcy.This goes for speculation on future interest rates, home values, rent amounts, etc.

@Gurjot Grewal whether it's worth flying down I think depends partly on your situation (including your net worth, how many other properties you have, what your other obligations are, how much this Columbus property could hurt your net worth if things turned south, etc.).For instance, it's not worth it for Warren Buffet to fly out to a city to look at a $350k single family home before purchase because even if that property is a total disaster, it's just a tiny portion of his net worth...plus, he has much more valuable things to do with his time... 

I know in IL for instance all the deals I did there the real estate agents dont get anywhere near the closing process they just write the initial offer and DUCK. 

For instance, I’m in Miami and I wouldn’t rent a room in a big house and having to share it with strangers.

For instance, one broker might be able to get you terms that another cannot (so it pays to shop around).

This is an instance where step two needs to be lined up before step one.  

For instance, in California the following ABC test is used to make the distinction: A) The hirer actually and contractually does not control or direct the person in the course of their work; B) The work performed is outside the hirer’s normal business; and C) The worker also normally and independently performs that work for others.

I've been managing hundreds of rentals for 12 years and can only think of a couple instances where a pet caused more damage than the deposit would cover.

For instance, he identified the load bearing walls when we walked the property, he understood where the existing plumbing was, and where new plumbing would need to go, he assessed where HVAC ducts were, and where new ducts would need to be routed, he understood the changes that would need to occur to the electrical system, etc., etc., and he understood the costs of all of those issues.

I take it you did not spec the job out in writing and may have just said, re-tile my bathroom and etc... leaving a lot open to interpretation by the workman.I take it you did not inspect the work on a regular basis as it was being completed.Tile over tile is sometimes done--but in this instance, the installer is obviously not well enough skilled to pull it off.And the black grouting looks like the worst grouting job I've ever seen.You can rent a jackhammer from many Home Depots, and bring that wall down to scratch plaster, or whatever is behind it.A cup of coffee and a Saturday morning would probably get it done, then it's just a sweep up job.There are companies that specialize in redoing bathrooms, they will have pics of their work and if you pick an established one with a good track record, the workers they send over might do a good job.With the water lines going out and back into the building, and the electrical switch (non-code complaint outlet as no little doors over the holes, and wiring appears to be outside a metal (non-UL looking) (possibly homemade) surface box and plastered over).