Their comparable sales are almost always significantly inflated, and they lack the expertise to accurately budget for renovations.

Truck parking lot development I have high interest in if you come to columbus. similar to mobile homes but you don't need infrastructure and you aren't dealing with housing.

You should consult with an attorney in your state to make sure that you are using the best asset protection strategy for your situation.Your budget: The cost of asset protection can vary depending on the type of protection that you choose.

Talking with a knowledgeable lender to know what your budget is and make a plan. 

A pro forma is vitally important, to make sure your projected returns match your budget.  

GC's (and the subs they work with) are who put together the budget for what the costs would be to build the things you described in your budget. 

They can make or break your renovation budget.

My work around was to find a 75 year old dude with no credit and no assets, who wanted a new truck.

I find saying you're doing it to "learn" is better received then "i'm doing it to save on costs" since they may get the feeling you're going to micromanage them and scrutinize the budget.

Look at property values, trends, and neighborhoods to identify opportunities.5) Create a Budget: Determine how much you can invest, considering all associated costs like down payments, closing costs, and maintenance.6) Build a Network: Connect with real estate agents, investors, lenders, and other professionals.