As you try to navigate through uncharted territory to find your niche, identify your desired outcome and work back from that on how you'll get there. 

And how did you identify who's a contractor?

I operate as an agent in a relatively expensive area in CT and this is a common question I get a lot from people as they start the process of buying a house hack.My clients who have had the most success have identified areas they felt comfortable living FIRST and then found a property that fit their budget.  

All the properties I identified are no longer available.The obvious solution is to use the 180 days for all hurricane repairs to be completed prior to closing etc etc.  

I WANT TO BEAT THESE NUMBERS BY INVESTING IN RENTALS.ESTIMATING EXPENSES:Properties are all in the same area, are about 100 years old; (almost) all have tenants, and could do with similar amounts of minor maintenance; major issues can be identified before closing and purchase cost can be adjusted accordingly.

You correctly identified the roof as something to look at carefully.

@Alyscha Johnson,You may want to see about getting over that.REI is a people business from both ends: people for whom you provide clean, safe, affordable housing and people with whom you associate to meet your common REI business goals.It's not easy for me, so I can identify with you a bit.

@Vanessa B.Hi there, my name is Scott Choppin, I run a RE development company in Long Beach, we might be able to help.Do you have specific land parcels identified?

@Jason Wyatt Keep learning, read, identify a niche of REI you want to focus in then meet local RE investors and develop relationships with those that are succeeding in that niche. 

It is in a neighborhood you have identified as an area you would like to invest in.