We need to know the details of what they were installing, the location, the cost of materials, etc.

I also discovered some excellent YouTube channels that discuss test material and sample questions, which I watched regularly.

Look into other options, including house hacking, as alternative ways to get started in Real Estate.All the best to you on your journey!

There are pros and cons to both approaches, so I would love some input here :) Alternatively, if this doesn't seem like a good enough deal in general, please let me know what you think!

Or, is there some other alternative?

It's the labor details that cost you, NOT the materials. 

Alternatively, you can wholesale and use that amount to start marketing.

However, it allows you to use the vacant rents of 75% market rent as an alternative income to help the borrower to qualify.Happy to connect and assist you in your real estate investing journey.

Alternative strategies include financing in the LLC's name or using house hacking to generate rental income.

Financing with a 5% a year mortgage, with 12% returns a year, with 5% to me and 2% to managing agent was one idea, but alternatives to real estate is also fine.