Contractors, unless you have a working relationship with them, normally do not want you bouncing ideas off them.Understand what their hourly rate is, have a discussion with them that you are okay with paying them an hourly rate if they walk the property with you and provide you a scope of work along with an explanation of what you can/can't get away with in regards to improvements.ask them if you go with them, if they can credit you the amount that you paid.Once you develop a working relationship with a few contractors, you can bounce ideas off them and expect quality responses.I do not invest in New York.Best of luck. 

Some of the materials we choose and asked him to pick up (such as flooring) he replaced with low quality materials, I assume to keep more of our money for himself. 

@Nathan Gesner you just have a high value lesson to everyone.

BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.

Despite the fact that the market has dropped significantly both in rent and price, I still think the market should be considered high risk/high reward.

While living in a high-cost area can present challenges, it also opens doors to creative strategies, like investing out of state or leveraging partnerships.

.- Strong Rental Potential: If reassigned, you can rent the property out in Germany high-demand rental market.- Tax Advantages: Germany offers tax deductions for property owners, which can help offset some costs.Key TakeawaysService members have a unique opportunity to buy property in Germany with minimal upfront costs.

Much of the country is at high risk between fires, hurricanes, tornados, tidal waves, earth quakes, rising tides, etc.  

I'd highly recommend Matt Scott and his services to those that are serious about raising money.Jorge

Don't invest in a market if you can't find a quality PM!