Seems to me BP is justs following the same play book as Zillow RE leads..

I've read all the books that assume i automatically know people with money.

I use AirDNA as a starting point then check that number against what units are doing on the booking sites (Airbnb/VRBO). 

I'd recommend David Green's book on the topic: https://www.amazon.com/Buy-Rehab-Rent-Refinance-Repeat/dp/B0...I also did a long live stream on it a while back that you might find helpful: 

Scott's book is a good start.

An approach you might want to take, is to break down each component of the rehab into its own price per sqft/linear foot/units for both materials and for labor.for example you might find that flooring costs and average of $3.50/sqft labor to install + $3.00/sqft for materials X square feet = cost to refloor+ always add an extra 10% for unforseensSo you would just need to do this for every part of the rehab based on what needs to be done and what level of finish you are going for.keep in mind that some things are measured by sqft, like floor, and others are measured by linear foot, like trim, and some are measured by total area, like drywall and paint, and yet others are measured per each like tubs and toilets.A good place to start with figuring costs is The Book On Estimating Rehab Costs by J.

My first station was in Kings Bay Georgia, where I picked up the book Rich Dad, poor Dad, which kick started my real estate career.

That's probably "phone book". 

Of course, with all things, the answers to all these matters will depend on the circumstances.California tends to have more laws on the books and requirements and restrictions that it can be a good idea to form a CA LLC for out of state property so that you as a CA resident are covered, and to try to have your contracts fall under the purview of CA courts.

You may want to check out soe of the legal self help books by NOLO Press.