I checked into this at one time and the main thing I didn't like about the Renovation part is that the program won't allow you to do ANY of the work, even replacing a door knob or painting.

More likely he is being ripped off for it.

Hey Tim Gordon - I would sand and paint the cabinets white or dark brown (i use sweet molasses by Berh).

Painting is very time consuming and you can find a ringer to do it for $60-70 per room for labor.

In such cases, don't fight them, join them, they usually contract for repairs, I've never seen a probate/estate attorney paint a house!

My tenants have a garage, private backyard and a bigger backyard yet still blocked the crawl space with old paint cans, old useless rusty bikes, ladders, rusty old toys etc.

In Maryland the seller needs to provide a disclosure/disclaimer statement, and older homes need a federal lead paint disclosure.

If it is painted and that old you may have to use lead safe practices.

Grading issues, water leaks in the basement, water dams, leaky roof, drafty windows, boilers, furnaces, garages, retaining walls, sidewalks, failing plumbing, unsafe electrical, peeling paint on siding, etc....

Yep best investment you'll make outside of fresh coat of paint and good cleaning.