If you control how they perform tasks, set their hours, or provide tools, they should likely be a W-2 employee, requiring you to withhold taxes and comply with payroll regulations.

I have 0 experience ground up construction loan program nationwide that does NOT require GC to sign anything, only provide proof of 3 C/O's (certificate of occupancy) over the last year I.e. built received occupancy permission now unit is on market or habitable. 700+ FICO I can get you 80%LTC loan to cost on the project on ground up construction for 1-4 units.

Can the agent provide comps?

This provides an international/affluent tourist pool whom are extremely unlikely to disappear regardless of local economic conditions.

First, most investors and owners of real estate related businesses are in one or more of the following situations1- they’re unable to duplicate their expertise that drives the ROI and they are at their personal max capacity as to time2- they’re obtaining high ROI by use of excessive leverage 3 - they’re obtaining high ROI by taking excessive risk4- they hit correct timing in the correct market, and this is not necessarily repeatable with any probabilityIn order for an investment or business to scale, we need the ROI (on a risk adjusted basis) to be sufficient to cover a PREMIUM risk adjusted return to passive investors; all expenses of managing the assets and the business, and a significant return to the “sponsor” providing compensation to him making the work, risk and time worth while. 

Platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, or even tools provided by BiggerPockets can help.

with the information provided can someone please give me our cost basis so I can figure total capital gains?

As others have stated, you have not provided enough information to determine whether this is a good deal or not.

These areas can offer great opportunities for investors, often providing better cash flow and lower entry prices compared to LA itself. 

Thanks in advance for any insight you all might be able to provide!