The materials themselves seem quite cheap.

They're only  used for privacy walls and decorative pieces, not for structural/building materials but still, nice to see waste being upcycled for different uses. 

Include cost estimates for materials and labor.

Materials/Subs/his own Crew?

Do not stress, and please make sure you have someone from your team that will not say the sky is falling, and charge you 5k when the material will be less than a few hundred , unless needs full room carpeted.  

To increase your knowledge and network, interact with their material, pose questions, and take part in debates.Volunteer or Intern: You might want to think about volunteering or interning with a property management company, real estate agency, or investment company in your community.

Another big problem we encounter more often than not is when they're swearing on Jesus Mary Joseph and everyone else they are deposit ready, then having some reason why they can't pay the deposit;  or trying to do half of it now and of course the other half never materializes.

My short-term rental is out of state but I manage it remotely (mostly guest communications and troubleshooting issues) and if I include in that the time I spent getting it ready to rent, I would say I materially participated and even more than anyone else (i.e. cleaner).

Admittedly he insisted on paying for some of the material upgrades & it was worthwhile.

Albeit, materials were made better then.