And not to mention keeping the dreaded Change Orders to a minimum....they are the ultimate job killer.I used to have a multi-page (depending on the size of the job) checklist where I asked the client - as soon as we signed the contract - to identify in writing virtually every design choice and sign off on it....right down to the drywall corner detail and texture, the kitchen counter edge detail, etc.

The building has a good amount of "texture", that is changes in walls, roofs, etc, its not just a plain rectangular box.  

New kitchen, new flooring, knocked down walls, removed popcorn ceiling and re-textured, new trim, new carpet, new doors and hardware, all new bathrooms upstairs, cleaned up landscaping, new tile work, new closets, new water heater, and new paint on interior and exterior.

Just bought my tickets back to the states and will be back January 20th... so after a few days of jet lag relief I'll likely be touching base with y'all.

Prime and paint 3 bedrooms, $450.Remove texture from bedroom ceiling, skim coat, prime and paint, $250.Tear off old roof shingles and load into dump trailer, $600.Install walkway of paver bricks, $350.Pressure wash non-brick parts of exterior, $300.Etc, etc.So, after maybe five months, we had paid her about $11,000, and she went back home.Can/should I file as a "real estate professional"?

(hint , $) #3 Just know that most of the houses built before 1978 do have asbestos in the texture and/or joints of the sheetrock, but you don't want to have an actual written report saying that b/c it will hurt your profits.Oh, and make sure you use an independent engineer for foundation inspections (not someone affiliated with a foundation company).I hope that helps, good luck !

But, even though I hate wallpaper, I have to admit that it cleans up pretty well and even if you don't get everything pristine the pattern tends to hide a lot of damage.The thing is, good textured wallpaper works best and that stuff tends to be expensive.  

In no particular order, Houston House Buyers, Jet Lending, NewWestern, Big State House Buyers are the ones that all come to mind.

Having to go into a minefield and retrieve an overturned jet fuel truck with 20,000 gallons of fuel on the airbase.  

Do the math.Yes taking money out of your retirement account is a sin for most people.Just make sure you don't buy jet skis and put it in cash flowing assets like rentals or syndications.