@Jake Johnston I think what @Jd Martin is eluding to is that with the construction (or maybe you are referring to a purchase/renovation loan) loan, the money for the repairs is held in an escrow account and you have to jump through a bunch a red tape just to get draws. 

I had accepted the deposit but before lease signed there were a few red flags.

He says it will draw red flags or something. 

  $180 is about 30 lbs of meat , it could be accurate but that is a renters insurance issue. 

My agent quoted me at $37/additional per month.  

Would you still consider bidding or are these red flags of a scary money pit?  

Then you can collect passive interest on the way down and sell for a capital gain when interest rates bottom out again.If the market is head down for let's say five years, I would avoid dividend income from stocks, because the capital loss will probably put you in the red, unless you can hold til the top of the next cycle.If you find true passive income with low risk and little capital (assuming you have student loans like myself), please LET ME KNOW :)

Growing my network is vital for me at this moment in time. 

Red flags from the beginning.

If you have a fantastic relationship with a contractor, it might be workable, but other than that, that's going to be a big red flag to 99% of more buyers.