Otherwise taking detailed videos and pictures for the contractor to get a good idea of budget should be sufficient to get a realistic budget. 

Of course, you won't listen to this common sense because you know more than everyone else here on BP and will have to learn the hard way.So, recommend you find and attend some local investor meetings or commit to watching all the videos and reading all the material here on BP that you can.Good luck:)

I am looking to get into the real estate game early and learn as much as possible, especially about house hacking and possibly short-term rentals.

Tenant Turner doesn't integrate with video monitoring and their questionnaire to prescreen showings disqualifies for service animals for any pet restrictions, I think I remember.  

It's part of participation trophy society where people get socially rewarded for just being in the game, but that shouldn't apply to real estate.

It does not matter whether you are starting a real estate business, restaurant, car wash, or amazon commerce business - the lender will first look at you and your partner and how much skin you have in the game, your experience and the risk of the loan not getting paid. 

Felt like being at a high-stakes poker game, but with properties on the line.

The auto guest messaging and guest verification features from Hospitable are a game changer!

That is a dangerous game to play with students.

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.