If I'm hearing you correctly, you're suggesting that I contract their services to map out a 'cookie-cutter' rehab (given no unforseen structural issues).

It sounds like in your situation, the "DST" just layered in additional fees to process a 1031 exchange.The syndication game is rigged for the sponsor - and in some ways, it should be.

What is a good first deal...1) Project cost is less than 72.5% of the ARV, under 70% is really good2) The Rehab should be no more than 75% of the purchase price3) Borrower's credit mid 700s4) Total loan amount under 200kThat is a cookie cutter first deal and in those scenarios I have gotten 90% of the purchase for first time investors/borrowers.

Anyone who deviates from that "safe" cookie-cutter mold gets strange looks and scoffed at.

The original posted mentions he wants to buy cash and a BP members suggests instead to take out close to a million dollars in loans...I don't see anyone in this thread asking what return the original poster is looking for or where he is in his financial life or what his thoughts are of the real estate market in the near future.Maybe he is okay with a 5% return.Maybe he has a large net worth and doesn't need the high returns.It may be the total opposite and he really does want high returns and doesn't have a lot of capital.What I am trying to say is that no one should just give cookie cutter adviceLeverage up and get bigger returns blah blah blah

Buy in the path of progress :)Sure, if I can buy that ranch first before the developers turn it into 500 cookie cutter houses I'll do well :-) I'm not sure it'll work out so great if I own a couple of last year's houses when all those new builds show up next door.

First issue to show up with #17 - Someone went in and stripped out the copper between the time of us making the offer and to today.Guy went in with bolt cutters from the look of it and cut out the main water line that was copper as well as the wiring from the service pannel. 

You can also charge them other fees associated with them breaking the lease such as any advertising fees.http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/tenants-rig...So, unless there is any money left over from their deposit, after you charge them rent and advertising fees, until you have rent flowing again....nope, they don't get their deposit back.Oh, and you also still get to charge them for any normal costs like cleaning, etc., that you'd be allowed to charge them under NC laws.So, basically, they're dreaming :-)Be sure and follow the laws regarding any move-out inspections, and the itemization of their deductions from their deposit, though.

I have acess to a pump out rig ( I drive a oil truck once in a while and the guy lets me use his stuff)

So, if the rent AND this bill are not paid the balance is "unpaid rent" and you simply evict for nonpayment of rent which is cookie-cutter.