I am getting a lumpsum estimate for things like electrical, plumbing, but I am not sure what the cost is for. 

Yes, this creates problems for title companies and title insurers to resolve. 

You can add notes to any transaction also, so later if you want to search for a vendor (you gas company, insurance) you can search by the actual vendor or something you put in your notes. 

It is always better to start with a multi-unit 2+ so that if something goes wrong, you still have one tenant to cover necessary expenses (mort, taxes, insur, etc).Also, major renovations are not a great idea for starting out as others said, especially out of state.

Our insurance policy for the project alone was well over $100k. 

You could explore renting out the garage as storage for someone, but then you need to look into insurance, liability, etc.

I use Auto Owners Insurance.

It’s given me the opportunity to save and prepare for my next upcoming purchase.I’ve gotten the units from $750x2 and $800x2 to a consistent $900. current mortgage is $2500 monthly, refinancing to a conventional and removing mortgage insurance should bring me to $2100. 

Financing provided through this program is only available for properties located in Michigan or Florida.Available Product Type: SOFR 7/6 ARM, SOFR 10/6 ARMLoan Amount: $766,550 MaximumLTV: Purchase and No Cash Out Refinance - Maximum 99%Prepayment Penalty: NoneLoan Assumption: NoneEligible Properties: 1-unit dwellings, attached and detached condominiums, PUDsEscrow: An escrow account must be established for property taxes, and flood insurance, if requiredUnderwritingNo Private Mortgage InsuranceOccupancy – Primary residencesMinimum Credit Score - 700DTI – Max 43% (UW/Mgmt exceptions up to 50% with minimum 3 documented compensating factors)Student Loans – If in deferment, no qualifying payment requiredDown payment of 1% must be borrower’s own funds, while closing costs and prepaids may be gift fundsAttached condominiums require a 10% down paymentEligible Borrowers – Protect and serve heroes are defined as employees of public or private education institutions, employees of medical and healthcare organizations, all first responders, and active or former military personnel.Servicing: Retained

Loan Costs, Deposits, and Escrows: Origination fees, application fees, third party reports, legal, insurance review, title & escrow, rate caps (floating rate loans), due diligence deposit, rate lock deposit, standard escrows, etc.6.