I love @Aaron Mazzrillo and he is a true transaction engineer in the Republic of California.California for terms deals such as lease options and installment sales purchases requires strong knowledge of agency law.The California BRE, bureau of real estate, requires a license to talk to sellers and buyers about buying and selling and leasing residential real estate, unless you are a principal buyer or seller and not assigning.I advise most California investors to do Delayed Sales and Purchase agreements w rights to occupy, losing their earnest money if financing is not successful.

He was born in Knoxville, but raised in North Augusta, SC after his father took a nuclear engineering job there.

I'm an engineer with a background in finance.Would be great to meet a mentor that could lead me in the right direction so I can get started on the right foot.My goal is buy and hold for rental income--build a portfolio.

On a typical project, here are the contractors I'll probably use:- Demo- Roofer- Painter- Carpenter- Plumber- Electrician- HVAC- Window Company- Tile Guy- Carpet Guy- Hardwood Guy- Cabinets/Countertops Company- Termite Inspection- Landscaping- Garage Door Company- House CleanerIn addition, on many projects I'll also use:- Drywall Guys- Insulation- Surveyor- Structural Engineer- Inspectors- Concrete Company- Driveway/Paving Company- Grading- Tree Trimming- Shower Glass CompanyFor big projects, new construction:- Architect- Civil Engineer- Foundation- Asbestos Removal- Sediment Control- Excavation, Dirt Hauling- Interior Sprinklers- Stone WorkEach of those contractors will typically get between 1-4 draws, depending on the scope of the work they have for the project.Then there are materials and other non-labor costs:- Permits (0-3 transactions per project)- Porta Pottys (0-3 transactions per project)- Home Depot Materials (3-5 transactions per project)- Dumpsters (1-3 transactions per project)- Paint Purchase- Cabinets/Countertops Purchase (2-4 transactions per project)- Flooring Material Purchase (1-2 transactions per project)- Specialty Material Suppliers (0-10 transactions per project)- Utility/Service Installation (0-5 transactions per project)- Private Inspections (0-5 transactions per project)- Insulation/Airtightness Tests- AppliancesOn top of that, I will potentially write several checks to:- Title Company- Property Inspector- Appraiser- General Contractor or Project Manager- Interest Payments- Utility Payments- Tax PaymentsOn top of that, I have my general business expenses:- Accounting- Legal- Interest Payments- Tax Payments- Brokerage Fees- E&O Fees- MLS Fees- Overhead/Office (Supplies, Equipment, Subscriptions, Software, etc)- Telephone/Fax/Internet- Income from Property SalesAll of these easily add up to a couple hundred transactions on a large project or new build, meaning many dozen per month. 

Find a structural engineer and a good foundation company...unfortunately, there's not enough information for anyone here to be able to tell you what to expect...

As a software engineer, I highly advise this tactic but you're more than welcome to try it but be aware of its consequencs.

This is do to the algorithms they use and while I understand this form a business standpoint, human intervention and logic is sometimes needed to deliver the most accurate information.  

Upon inspection, the house passed with flying colors, I had a structural and Mechanical engineer's letter deeming the home safe.

My real-world experience is in the realm of leadership and engineering. 

I graduated from UW with a degree in Engineering and an MHA from WSU.