Regardless of what you do to the important stuff on a home the avg consumer still wants to see granite countertops lol Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

When I purchased it I simply based my offer on the numbers that made it work using the BP Calculator.

Have you worked with a designer before?

If you can buy with 20 percent an hour away, as you said, that seems like the best option if the finances and numbers work for you.

Both of these avenues have worked for me as well as meetup.com

We provided an itemized list of work done and the price while returning the security deposit.Tenant is claiming that everything was wear and tear and is demanding receipts and proof of damage.As per my knowledge landlord is not needed to provide receipts in Arizona.

We not only offered them a better comp package, but we offered them the opportunity to work for people who knew real estate investing as investors, not just as lenders. 

I’d be happy to connect with any members who are currently working in these markets, especially when I visit!

I work in engagement marketing and deal with construction tradesmen all day, usually more custom type tradespersons with a lot of care and concern for their own work, which may glamorize it more than I realize.

You'll need money for: closing costs, down payment (if any), operating capital to get the construction/rehab started (most HMLs reimburse you in draws for the work completed), along with some liquid reserves on top of that.