You don't see any actual receipts for materials or invoices from contractors they hired.

Type of construction materials for the build(block/metal frame/wood frame), separate utilities, finishes, tech, cleaning crews, any tips and tricks would be HUGE! 

What is the flooring material?

However, he asked me to sign a one-year Exclusive Right to Represent agreement, as presented to him by his brokerage.His interpretation is that it applies only when he materially assists me, but I think the boilerplate brokerage language he was given reads much more broadly:"If during the term of this Agreement Buyer enters into a contract for the purchase of Property through the services or efforts of the Broker or Buyer’s Brokerage Firm, or by or through any other persons during the term of this Agreement" (emphasis mine).My concern is that, under my interpretation, if a fellow real estate investor wants to unload a property or if I get pointed to an opportunity by a former agent, colleague, or friend, this agreement could create an obstacle to moving forward with the deal.In the end, I didn’t sign.

Purchase price: $165,000 Cash invested: $20,000 I bought a duplex in Racine that needed a lot of cosmetic upgrades.

If you research recent sales you can always provide the appraiser a list of those sales.One of the best ways to insure a higher value is to update the property using materials and fixtures that are popular and common in the area.

And does the person doing the labor get paid or only the materials paid for by the partnership?

Will need about 10k of cosmetic work and some minor plumbing.

It needs cosmetic upgrades and I'm going to try pushing the appraisal for when I am able to buy (on lease purchase right now). 

Square footage is roughly 1600 sqft.Could use minor cosmetic rehab on the outside to make it look pretty, inside is brand new however.