Why in God's name did they not tell us up front?

Quote from @Stacy Banks: Hello I wanted to know what does it cost to do foundation & framing for a 1,500sq ft house being built in Lehigh Acres Florida.  

Yes, long-term rental clients sometimes don't want short-term rental next door to them, but you are the owner and landlord and set those expectations up front so it's on the table before they lease.

Many out-of-state investors make big mistakes that cost them far more than a property manager would charge.

At the end of the day; you need more money to do something like this.MAX LTV on new builds is 80% LTC, Meaning if the build is $550,000 and Land is XAdd ($550,000 + x ) * .8 = LOAN AMOUNTYou would need to come in with MINIMUM 20% of the cost in addition to closing costs and reserves, $80,000 is not going to cut it for this project.

I have read in forums that upfront fees are generally big no-no's.

Rental income is subject to tax, but it is also possible to deduct many costs related to owning and maintaining rental property, including property management fees, repairs, and mortgage interest payments.Additionally, for those investors holding properties in Germany for the long-term, the country's capital gains tax law is attractive.

How much are closing costs?

That way the lender has an idea what it is you are doing and cost.

From there I accepted and negotiated to have the seller cover the cost of replacing the roof.