.#3 Contact Local Contractors for PricingCall local Subcontractors and get budget pricing for common repairs on your typical rehab project.For example, call a roofer and ask what their average cost per Square of Architectural Asphalt Shingle Roofing would be on a 1,500 sf house, with a 6/12 pitch.Note: Some contractors will be reluctant to share pricing without seeing the property, but tell them you are just looking for a rough budget number you can use on future projects.#4 Compile Your Prices into a Spreadsheet or Estimating SoftwareOnce you start to get a better understanding of Labor and Material costs you will want to store this data into a spreadsheet or software that you can use to help you streamline the estimating process.The Book on Estimating Rehab Costs comes with a spreadsheet that you can use to help you populate your own database of labor pricing and material pricing.

Not much you can do about the pavement assessments, they need to be paid, but very straightforward. 

Ensure that you put the adequate sub base in place and rent a tapper/soil compacter, form the pavement area, order the concrete from your local concrete plant and place it yourself.

Then another expense of a driveway pavement was deducted from the rent.

I think there's a rei meeting in my city next Tuesday so I want to try and go to that and see if I can connect with anyone.I'm still working on preparing myself to hit the pavement if nothing turns up, that way I can keep moving forward.I appreciate the insight you guys provide around here. 

Hello DP, newbie looking to purchase my first duplex (1700sq ft, block construstion, asphalt shingle roof, approx $100K purchase price) and was wondering what type of insurance coverages and limits should I need? 

After viewing 20, 50 or 100 homes you will know the prices and you will know what is on the market.Pound the pavement and keep networking with investors who are active.

This place is just a block away from my current rental -- and I absolutely love my neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio.I've run the numbers below and am hoping that some might have some advice on if this seems like a smart choice.HOUSE DETAILS.07 Acres, Built 1890, Paved Driveway, Asphalt/Fiberlass Roof, Vinyl Exterior, Unit 1: 650 sqft, 1 bedroomUnit 2: 1,200 sqft, 2 bedroomsRUNNING THE NUMBERSTotal Rental Income: $1,900Total Monthly Expenses: $1,730Total Monthly Cashflow: $170COC ROI: 6.1%The house is in fairly good shape.

I now feel confident pounding the pavement to find some great deals, preferably off the MLS market.  

Wouldn't be an issue unless it was an attic fire in which case you've probably got asphalt shingles on fire....which is like burning oil...so you're already screwed.