They would be the brokerage's until I became a broker myself and hung my own shingle and started over.Anyway - aside from my turd causing $7000 in damage and yours only causing $100 LOL, I enjoyed our discussion.  

There is a special way to report it to get the deduction while not triggering a computerized notice from the IRS disallowing the deduction.

@Joe Bertolino's numbers are what you can probably expect.I would suggest sitting down with each of the contractor's you have and mind and asking them to give you ballpark figures for the following repairs:New Roof (Rip and Reply, Full Roof, and Re-Shingle)Exterior SidingNew Windows (cost per window)HVACNew ElectricalNew PlumbingVarious foundation repairsReplacing sheetrock (per sq ft)Replacing concrete (per sq ft)These are the things you are going to encounter most often, and having ballpark bids will help you estimate repairs on the fly, but is no substitute for an in-person bid.

The floorboards groaned unevenly, doors were missing off hinges, shingles clung desperately to the roof and a smell hung in the interior which begged consideration.

@Niko MolinaGood question, but, it depends on the individual and their comfort level with computerized REI systems. 

Back in those days asbestos was barely new to the market and was used for many things such as siding, plaster walls, insulation, duct work and even shingles.

I've seen where they've been removed and the "de-installers" just stuck a couple of plugs of silicon caulk into the shingles.

However putting on an investors hat, I would remove and replace that, will cost about 5-8/sf to dispose, install new sheating, new asphalt shingle.

Here is a summary BIPV Solar Shingles Cost: SunTegra, CertainTeed Appolo, Tesla Solar Roof (roofingcalc.com).     

Not to mention, the house we're under contract on would have never qualifed for FHA because it's missing a few shingles that we'll need to pay a qualifed contractor to replace.So my recommendation, shop around at local banks/credit unions for a mortgage if your credit is good.