I'd put the sod down, get a different handyman, he doesn't sound to handy, or willing to put down sod.Fall sod usually does well, I did a whole back yard and had the sod company install it, done in a day.Mother nature might be kind and in your favor on this. 

That will come naturally if he sees interest or offers up alternative ideas.  

As a comparison with how crazy it is, there is a lot near Gandy and West Shore asking $700K and  they are tearing down perfectly beautiful houses on Davis Island for $650K to build $1.5million + dollar homes.

My goal is to develop beautiful, affordable, sustainable houses in B neighborhoods.  

Any granite/natural stone budget recommendation around Cleveland?

It just does and its because of human nature.

Hi LarryI'd say making $25k+ and $60k + profit on each the day of closing on  appreciating beautiful turnkey properties, one with tenant in place..the other is rent ready...is amazing.

I've been brainstorming for a while now and maybe it's just a natural aversion to risk, but it seems like the only option is to hold where I am and get back financial footing before moving on to the next purchase.Any help is appreciated!

Such is the nature of investing.  

Offer to help people clean out a house or something of that nature.