The numbers may be 30-40% lower than today's cost, but the process/approach to estimating may be good for you to review.

Hi Ashley, We have found what works well for us, as well as our clients is to ask them during the on boarding process if they have any preferred contractors.  

I was in the process of about to get into the real estate world of investing until this occurred.

Like you, I’m diving into books and podcasts, but I also believe there’s immense value in learning alongside others and gaining hands-on experience.I’m in the process of connecting with like-minded individuals to create a community of new investors who are eager to learn, share knowledge, and even collaborate on deals.

It can be a drawn-out process, but it might get you closer to that $500k value.

If you are just downloading data room info from brokerage sites and plugging into a model, you are refining your skills on the "act", which is certainly necessary and helps make the process faster.  

When managing multiple applications, it’s crucial to ensure your process is both fair and compliant with local, state, and federal housing laws, including the Fair Housing Act.A best practice to avoid any perception of bias or confusion is to process and work on one application at a time.

You can always leave and repeat the process and rent out your old living area.  

THAN institute the new GOOD management, and process going forward.

You sound like the brave side of the coin in that you did due diligence and respected the process.