Ellis :) but I've seen extra living units (units that exceed the zoning) ordered to be torn down and in over 30 years of investing in the Columbus market I've NEVER seen them tolerated.

Vinyl plank is likely more durable than laminate and you can take up a piece and replace it if needed (get some extra when you buy it).

The simplicity of the “I’ll take the number 5, with extra insulation and interior paint on the side” approach was appealing.

And doing things remotely adds an additional layer of difficulty.

Bring a lot of extra cash and underwrite the exit conservatively.

Something that makes my situation a bit more difficult is that I have a job in Hawaii (6 hour time difference from EST. right now).

It may sound nice to pay a 6% management fee but the extra fees can add up to be more than the other company that charges 10% with no additional fees.

I’m having difficulty identifying what markets are good right now.  

.- Tell him if he can finish the project within the date, you will give him an extra $500 but if he does not finish then he won't get it. - Call every 2-3 days to get project updates - Pay for materials with your lowes pro business credit card over the phone - Ask contractor for itemized list of things that needed to be doneThe above will ensure your sucess.

The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it!