Deep down if I'm being completely honest it's just been really nerve wrecking to even believe I can go into something new and risky.  

Wreck, drive through the garage liability....They should rent their latest and best imports with their own insurance.Put some hams, steak and best beer in the frig will you?

an hour before we were going to meet, he wrecked his car and then we both got a bit busy with life.  2 months later, I saw a deal that really stood out and emailed it to him.  

If you don't wreck it and can sell it to the next sucker, you are only out say 10-20K.

I would like to see the average carpenter/ electrician, etc, remove the front end of a car, remove the engine, straighten damaged frame rails,  cut out and replace what is needed to within a .0-.3 mm tolerance and then get it all put back together and guarantee that if there is another wreck that the air bags will go off at the right millisecond.

Painting over it can be a train wreck waiting to happen,,specially if its a 'waxy' paper.If it is really really tough to get off I do believe it is probably faster and cheaper to jerk the drywall and install new.

It can wreck your reputation as a professional.

In most cases the standard is "broom clean", but if you're buying a wreck that was occupied by a hoarder, it would most likely specify that "the buyer is responsible for disposing of building contents and cleaning".As @Russell Brazil pointed out, this is why we do a final walkthrough as close to closing as possible.  

@Andrew Kerr excellent point for newbs make sure you can pay a manager if you lose your fingers in a car wreck.

NavyDoc,I tried to PM you back a few times, and it won't let me due to not having 10 post yet :roll: Either way, small time right now, working to get into the wholesale business......and I stay away from wrecks, too much hassle, at least for where I'm at right now..John,Thanks for the info....you seem to know your stuff here and I have been reading thread (even before my intro) just to see what you say...same with a few others (mikeoh, **********, biggerpo, just to name a few)....you guys all seem to be a wealth of knowledge