I made a relatively low offer and after one negotiation we settled on a price that was about 45% lower than the original list price.

Quote from @Paul Lucenti: @Shawn Ackerman thanks Shawn - I'll add that into my numbers thanks for the tip.

Quote from @Kyle Harris: I'm a new investor and looking to learn as much as I can this year and hopefully make a purchase on a multifamily unit by the end of 2025.

It sounds like a big misunderstanding and I guess the learning lesson is for you to always to get an invoice from anyone doing work.  

I’ve had about 6 referrals so far in less than 2 weeks since I have done this.

I am wondering if anyone invests in this area can provide me with some referrals?

What you want is, as they say: relatively simple, but not easy.

(if this makes no sense to you, research the 80's)Yes, fundamentals apply like compounding returns, proper use of leverage, appreciating assets etc etc, but the specific's of the how-to's, the "plays" one runs, how you play the game, it's a different game than '19'. 

we ran into this in FLA  a few years back when I had 4 starts and I exited that market.. permits  sub base all pretty tough for someone who is not there and already knows the systems hands down and has a devoted loyal sub base.. thats the key in my mind.

Not my idea, this is from RichDad, but really good advice.I would suggest to do that on the side and think about a W2 job.