.: Quote from @Jerryll Noorden: No decent professional would take on an expensive job, start and finish it, and then charge you five figures without a contract in place.So, refusing to pay him might end up causing more headaches than it's worth.

Figure out what it is that you want to do and in which market.

They’re going to figure it out.

BUT, once we applied for the card, we were rejected immediately because our debt is so large compared to our income because DUH, we are real estate investors.I figured a lot of other investors might have run up against this issue and I was wondering if anyone figured out how to work around it.

Outside of this, it’s been difficult to even figure out where to find reliable contractors in my area.

I also think getting the divorce settled and possibly renting for a year would help you figure out exactly what you want to do (your preferred real estate strategy) and might help you save some extra money for that first purchase.

I figure it might take two guys and two days.

Where do you go to figure out how to change your tire?

I'm sure you've probably figured it out by now!

Apologies for all the questions but figured it'd be more efficient all in one post.