We negotiated the price down a bit from $350k to $340k and the construction company is committed to pay 2% of seller's paid costs as incentives if I use their preferred lender.

With a CC you don’t have to worry about scaring customers away and you also protect yourself.Also, if I were looking to commit a violent crime, my first person I’d target is someone with a visible firearm.

I do have experience with significant home renovation but for a personal residence, based on my experience with this I would prefer to buy a property built after 1970 if possible but not sure if that's realistic, the only deals I could seem to find from the MLS are very old houses which I know often brings more challenges with the renovation.Would appreciate any references or suggestions anyone has, so far I've only invested in rental properties that were already in good condition bought with a loan.

Would prefer somewhere within driving distance, which I think is doable.

Customer reviews are always helpful, but this is another tool in your belt for vetting companies.

I live in the Rabbu site - I like the customization aspect, with most sites it provides enough information to make accurate assessments, you can also pretty clearly see the difference between a well run STR and a MEH run STR.

Why both of them and do you prefer one over the other? 

The truth is, if you can execute, BRRRR can work in all of those cities so it's a matter of preference - whether you prioritize cash flow or appreciation, price range, if you know anyone, school zones, etc.

Except their customer service is only through email.

I prefer a single basin from a maintenance perspective and typically always use this in rentals.