Thus, if the owner of their Milw, Class D property replied without noting the above, he/she might say it only costs $1000, whereas the owner of the SF Class A property might say, $10k, but if I didn't know their location, property class type, if they used contractors, or did the work themselves, etc., then I would still have too wide of responses to be able to anticipate what the real costs might be for my particular situation, property, etc.For reference, my properties are in Class B areas of Milwaukee.

You can install a lockbox onsite and place a master in it for your trusted contractors.

If you're way off with these numbers you will go under, and then 2) getting burned by the contractor is a real thing. 

They hire independent contractors to do most of the work.

Contractors  will be your problem 

Biggest things are to make sure you get a very thorough inspection report and make sure you have very reliable contractors.

I'm about to buy to 4/3 home that's 2,300 sq ft, built in 1967 and want an experienced real estate investor to evaluate whether it's a good deal.Please comment below if I can pay you for 1 hour of your time to analyze it.I have full photos/video walkthrough, and also have several contractor quotes.

You are creating a new job for yourself.With the number of STRs (I assume that just because there is 850 permits doesn't mean that they are all in use), plus the in you have with the other owners and the local page, make it easier to hit the ground running.Maybe you reach out to some of the independent contractors you know and ask them if they might want to join your team.

@Daniel Brundige Seems a big project if you are starting out, usually people start with smaller ones to get to know the contractors work  etc

Reliable local contacts, like property managers and contractors, can make or break an out-of-state investment.Happy to send some resources about the market if you want to reach out.Best,Travis