I've got some great connections in the due-diligence/management side too, if you're interested in meeting them and various trades in multifamily construction.  

The last property I sold in San Diego was a single unit which I traded up (through a 1031 exchange) to purchase a 4plex....I could not tap into enough equity solely through a cash out refinance (typically 75% LTV) to make that purchase, so I had to sell.  

In the case of unlicensed contractor, the word 'handyman' is common in the scope of home improvement independent contractors, licensed or not.I'm not even in a trade or business yet still do issue a 1099-MISC to handymen, and even my tax-preparer just in case the IRS or some other beauracracy should deem me as being in a 'trade or business' already. 

So in a market thats trading today at 4.5 cap but historically a 6 cap market, I will underwrite to a exit 6.5 cap.

I disagree; you can't be a jack-of-all-trades.

You could offer to trade the property for a packet of m&m’s and unless you meet one of the above criteria be in violation of the statue.

Here are some common financing options:Traditional Mortgage: Obtain financing from banks with a down payment, paying off over time with interest.Hard Money Loans: Short-term loans with higher interest rates, often from private investors, suitable for quick acquisitions or credit-challenged investors.Private Money Lenders: Individuals or groups offering direct loans, with terms negotiated privately.Seller Financing: Buyers make payments directly to sellers over an agreed period, with terms negotiated between parties.Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): Borrow against existing property equity with a revolving credit line, typically offering flexibility.Real Estate Crowdfunding: Pool funds with other investors via online platforms for various real estate projects, offering diverse investment opportunities.1031 Exchange: Defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting sale proceeds into similar properties within a specific timeframe, useful for tax optimization.REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts): Invest indirectly in real estate through publicly traded companies, offering liquidity and diversification.Joint Ventures/Partnerships: Collaborate with other investors to share resources and risks, leveraging each other's strengths for larger projects.Subject To Financing: Buy a property subject to the existing mortgage that's in place on the property (doesn't get paid off when the property sells).Assumable Mortgage: Buy a property and assume the mortgage that the seller already has in place.Lease Option: Rent a property with the option to buy it prior to a later date.Debt Service Credit Ratio (DSCR): A loan approved based on the income potential of the propertyThese options cater to different investor needs, preferences, and financial situations, providing flexibility in real estate investment strategies.Thanks,

Educate yourself on the building trades.

It's really no different than trading a stock. 

My hope is that the clientele we bring in won't completely trash the place but I realize that is just wishful thinking and that people, regardless of income/ what they are willing to pay, can behave like animals (I was in the auto industry before becoming an attorney and the things I saw walking trades will forever haunt me).