The price in a given market is based on numerous factors.  2 of the primary factors are perceived risk and perceived appreciation.  

I've participated in numerous renovations in Knoxville and Chattanooga, so I know how to get myself in trouble at a construction site.

I've written numerous times here that Tax Sales are the most hazardous method of buying real estate.No home inspectionsMost times can't see insideNo Sellers Disclosure, so sellers let go of property that they can't sell otherwise, think toxic waste sitesNo do overNo home warrantyNo financing they require 100% cash at time of sale.From the initial list 30 days before they sale, my experience is that 90% pay the taxes, sometimes the minimum to get their property off the Tax Sale list.Some of the owners are deceasedSome of the properties have title defects preventing re-selling and financing until curedMany of the sales transfer other mortgages, liens to the new owner.I've seen tax sale properties with multi-million Federal Tax Liens NOT wiped out by the sale.Some of the properties may be non-existent.

You'll want to know who the owner is and negotiate with them directly and also know how much equity is in the house, is it free-and-clear, or are they upside down b/c of numerous cashout refi's.

I have also see numerous times that a buyer uses my estimate for negotiating and then give the work to a handyman or take a cheaper route.

Over the past few years we have completed numerous renovations on SFR flip houses.

Good evening BP,I have been on the hunt and saw numerous properties in the last few weeks.

Fortunately the roofs are all in good shape, but need to do a lot of repairs on numerous places.

But you still have numerous conversations on BP of the sub 30k houses and how great they are...

I have had numerous buyers get offers accepted with contingencies, but not always all.