you mentioned you might want "a gem that doesn't need major structural repairs, and luck out on a contractor."

I have a lot of experience in contracting, but I am not a licensed contractor.

I have a project in Detroit that I'm looking to get some contractor bids on, curious if anyone has any good recommendations for contractors.

In these initial stages, focus on building your core4 of agent/deal finder, lender, property manager, and contractor for the market.

A good contractor can give you a best-case, worst-case estimate.

I recommend building your "core 4" (Real Estate Agent, Property Manager, Contractor, Lender) in your target market.

In your proposed situation, here is what I would do:1) Make sure you have a good/solid/reliable contractor that can actually do the work and has capacity to handle the project.2) Apply for the max HELOC and get it established. 

Some form of contract or option agreement that I was looking for specifics on that would pass muster with audit or legal around the property being a temporary asset. 

So we’d have to pay a contractor.  

You'll likely need to be there a lot meeting contractors, agents, tenants, so you'll want to be close. 3) SFH vs.