I understand the basis is all the remodel cost or labor and materials. 

The strip of land is utterly worthless to anyone but him but he's happy to pay $450k to resolve everything without the courts input.I retain 100% of my building, 99.999% of my land, and 100% of my existing mortgage. 

all materials, all labor costs to others, Not you, utilities, interest payments, permits, licenses, auto/truck expenses, tools needed are all deductable. 

Scope of WorkThe Subcontractor agrees to perform the following work (“Scope of Work”):Detailed description of tasks and responsibilities.Exclusions: [List any exclusions here].Materials to be provided by: [Contractor/Subcontractor].Reference drawings or plans: [Attach if applicable].2.

There is a $200 cancellation fee to cover the extensive materials and supplies we give you when you join. 

I am also going through the eviction process in Winston-Salem called a bunch of attorneys and yeah they want crazy retainers however I was referred to one where there was a $300.00 hour phone consultation.

I would also add, a contractor that you can buy materials for and they know how to put them in with little to know direction (reduces the management time of the project).

I'm going off the understanding that you still need to spend 500+ hours in the business to achieve material participation (please correct me if I'm wrong). 

Scrren PMC's by asking if you will get the material invoices AND the actual invoices from any contractors they hire. - Be prepared to pay for a PMC's time!

Is the cost of retaining an in-house attorney still worth it?