So concrete for sure, even if you need a few wooden steps down to it. 

In one small desert town, I've bought a number of houses with no concrete, not even piers.....raised foundations with wooden footers right to the ground.

Parts I'm having a very hard time with... to paint the unit along with a very small wooden stairway leading to the front door, maybe 4-5 feet wide and 3 steps, they want over 2k.

Steam room, lifting competitions, power racks, chalk, squat shoes required (???)

I'm racking up funds to be prepared for the downpayment just in case. 

I know it needs considerable foundation repair, it has wooden double hung windows with several broken panes and badly peeled paint on the trim.

Over the years I have bought and sold commercial and residential properties.I have also owned many businesses:Laundry Mats - Retail Stores - Flea Markets - Convince Stores - Arcades - Rack Merchandising - Mystery Shopping Company - Auction Centers - Answering Services - Vending - And the list goes on.

New carpet, fresh paint, new towel racks (a lot of little items), updated appliances (big item but needed)... and a new flat screen. 

But then again, maybe we have; im not a GC.and please believe, i have scowered the net..and im basically a basement waterproofing pro. grading, gutters, drains, steel wall braces, wooden wall braces, carbon straps, etc...you name it, ive read about it.

Hello,  I am exploring a deal that would require me to become a first time syndicator which is exciting and nerve racking.