I utilize professional Autocad software.

Example for multifamily- My 4plex had a tenant in one unit paying $24000 annually of which I achieved $14,000 annually NOI after taxes, insurance, yard work, common area utilities.

Purchase price: $163,400 Cash invested: $25,000 Sale price: $240,000A buy&flip project on a Single Family House10K - Flooring, Trims and baseboards8K - Interior Painting3k - Updated water heater, and gas permit2k - Other minor fix, ceiling fan, windows, light bulb, new fridge, and more2k - Holding cost, HOA, and other related utility feesTotal cost of repair - $25k

What other expenses are there (snow removal, lawn care, internet, utilities)?

It wont be as easy as b grade and things like unreimbursed utilities and tenant caused maintenance will take a bite out of profits but it is feasible and uou can make money and probably hit the 1% rule with a lower entry point. 

You have the area experience and data to help you, but courthouse steps auctions are blind bidding (other than what you can find through the windows), all cash, 10 percent down at the time of close, and not always clear on all of the liens associated with the house (tax liens, HOA liens, utility liens, etc.). 

In the apartment industry, typically $250-300 per unit per month is held by the banks in escrow, but R&M can be much higher - Utilities - Is there any common-area lighting?  

I currently utilize this strategy personally.I have a commercial line of credit that I practice pay check parking with.Pay check parking is the practice of parking all free cash flow that you bring in each month after you've set aside your cash reserves (emergency fund).

What role do private money lenders and hard money loans play in creative real estate financing, and how can investors effectively utilize them?

Currently, my friend and I split the monthly mortgage payment but he pays all utilities.