(for example if I see that the electrical service to a home has been updated well, a plumbing cleanout has been added, and then cement-fiber siding has been installed and painted well, then that tells me a great deal about what is likely to be true about the other aspects of the home, versus if I see patchwork updates and deferred maintenance galore, that also informs me on what to anticipate inside).- Pulling from tax records and any other public information source, what can you figure out about the layout of the home and the space? 

Is the deck that much more likely to get termite damage because it is not built on blocks or with posts cemented into the ground?

And to lay only, cement board is already done.Doesn't seem California outrageous, but I would have expected 1.5k to 2k. 

Just look at the video: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u6ucp6f4tnfnhsc/aNrYjaL929Would you rip out all the rock and lay cement, or carpet it up?

For example,if they put cement down the sewer they could claim the sewer always had problems but because they were paying such low rent that they lived with having to constantly plunger. 

I let my contractor try the old hot tar and hydraulic cement trick but it clearly didn't work.

He refered me to the best HVAC guy.It has been mostly a "miss" with craigs list. but I did find a good pool replaster who gave me a contact for a good cement contractor.

Deep cement footings, all Trex decking and wrought iron rails - not cheap stuff.

When you buy investment real estate, you are NOT buying dirt, bricks, stone, wood, cement, wiring, plumbing, etc..., you are buying a CASH FLOW.

The exterior is in decent shape, the only thing is, its a dirt lot, little landscaping & cement driveway needed, depending on buyer.