BUT The points they charge and interest are both way higher than normal, on some deals I ran numbers the points and interest were going to be 20k on properties where the ARV is 100k so you have to get properties at such a low price to make it work that it is so hard.

This allows you to access funds while keeping your existing mortgages intact.Second Mortgage: Explore lenders who offer second-position loans on investment properties, though rates will be higher.Cash-Out HELOC : While traditional banks often restrict HELOCs on non-owner-occupied properties, some portfolio or private lenders may offer HELOCs for investors.With $15-20K in liquid funds, look for deals where you can negotiate terms:Seller Financing: Negotiate lower down payments or interest-only periods.Subject-To Financing: Assume the seller’s existing mortgage while covering the down payment.Lease-to-Own: Lock in the purchase price while using rental income to build equity.

Quote from @Jeffrey Bourque: ARV $350,000 - $400,000 3bd 1 bath 800sqft estimate rehab $70,000 purchase price $200,000What are your thoughts and should I do it? 

Based on this experience, I feel I have a fair sense of what pricing should look like.Do you have any supplemental carriers you’d recommend?

I asked what the $2000 (originally $2500 but they "came down in price") was about and she stated that was for the initial design.

Here's the deal:Purchase Price (PP): $95kRenovation Budget (via HML): $60kTotal All-In Cost: $155kARV (After Repair Value): Around $200kRefinance (via DSCR Loan): 7% interest, 30-year fixedRefinance Details: After the refi, I will pay back the Hard Money Loan (HML) at 11.95% with 3 points:HML: $60,000Interest/fees: $3,585Other costs: $1,800Total to pay back HML: $65,385After the refi, I will have $84,615 left in cash.Cash Flow & Expenses:Expected Rent Income: $1,700/monthProperty Management (PM): $126/monthInsurance: $100/monthTaxes: $126/monthMortgage: $1,043.75/monthTotal Expenses: $1,395.75/monthSo my monthly cash flow is about:$1,700 - $1,395.75 = $304.25/month in cash flow.Return on Investment:Cash Invested After Refi: About $18,385 (after paying off HML and closing costs).Annual Cash Flow: $304.25 * 12 = $3,651Cash-on-Cash Return (CoC): $3,651 / $18,385 = 19.8%I didn’t account for maintenance costs since it’s a full gut rehab, and everything is brand new.

Does anyone have recommendations for good, reasonably priced countertop installers/fabricators who do work in the north/northwest suburbs of Chicago, specifically around Prospect Heights?

same with us, we study infill every day though through case examples. the best part about infill is no risk. buying lots like what builders are doing even national builders still are shifting the risk to local land developers. my recommendation is to look at permitted uses, price per acre, etc. if you want lower risk buy a larger tract of land from a large developer out of a 100+ acre development to lower the risk. if you are doing it from scratch work with a group who's doing subdivisions. you can go and read the subdivision plats in your recorders office online every county has one. in columbus where I do the majority of our development we are specifically starting to target zones where the economics are also favorable.

With that said Phoenix had one of the highest home price declines in the last market down turn.  

I like strong MSA's, high rents, & low purchase prices, to maximize cashflow & cash ROI.