I just want to know enough to not be “taken for a ride” with any contractors I do business with.

Sometimes it just pays to get it from the horses own lips.

Had a regular job in junior high cleaning horse stables. 

EM deposits are another factor that will get you over the top.I would routinely put up 5 to 20k EM back in the 90's in Oregon when the local custom ws 500 bucks or 1000 bucks and my deal went to the top.. many listing agents had never seen that back in the day and would just gush over how motivated we were for the property.NOw I am seeing many hud type homes or who ever the government seller is require 10% EM and I personally LOVE that.. that keeps those who don't have any cash competing against you... and that alone will bring more deals to those with the horse power to take them down.

Listen to a podcast on your next car ride together.

The house is also 100 years old so the horse hair materials is helping with the sound but I am also thinking they kept the original windows! 

Other than that, if they predict another 10% dip just make sure you buy at 40-50% discount to ride the storm out.

Things like lawn care even factor in (I pay $27/month/property for God-knows-who to take a riding mower around the place once in a while).

ThanksChris FCChrisYou have already been advised by the best here....but, it appears you may be getting your cart before your horse.

Will they be serving horse meat?