How do I help this person and not sit with property for an extended period of time before starting construction?  

If you have physical cash saved, it needs to be deposited in your bank account, and it must sit in your account through at least two full account statements. 

Needless to say, here is the issue:The neighbor on one side of my property's window is literally looking right into my yard... like.. they can see me sitting on the toilet if I were to forget to close the door.

This is more of a, sit back, we'll do it for you approach.P.S.

I know in my circle, 7 real estate investors who were able to leave their W2 jobs but they're not sitting on a beach collecting rent checks.

@David VaughnIn general I agree with what you have said however I have had this happen......house sitting for 6 mo, make an offer at asking, be told there is a new interested party, not adjust my offer because I think they are blowing smoke, loose the deal because there was another offer.I think it is common place for agents or wholesalers to re engage tire kickers when they get an offer.At the end of the day I tend to offer what I am willing to pay no more no less.

If the house sits for another one to two months are you going to be out that $2k anyways?

While still technically in slight seller’s market territory, inventory is well above extreme lows seen in recent years when inventory fell below 1 month for a sustained period.Here are the full stats for Austin and the greater metro:A 30-year fixed mortgage is sitting around 7.3% interest, which is the highest it has been in 2024 thus far:In addition to interest rates increasing the cost of real estate ownership, buyers are facing increased insurance premiums, maintenance costs, and rising property taxes.

So it's very important to have refinancing available so your not still sitting on that cash when the normal interest kicks in.

I own my house in NC, but my "accident" has built up substantial equity since the purchase.I am ready to use the equity I have sitting idle and grow the portfolio.