I would have spent more money on property mechanicals (electrical, plumbing, etc).

We estimate about $35/sq ft for a cosmetic rehab, obviously if it needs major fixes like windows, roof, mechanical, etc. that would be an additional expense.

But a mechanic's lien... that's fair game. 

.), medical liens, mechanics liens, credit card judgments.You will be responsible for any unpaid property taxes or municipal fines associated with the property.If there are IRS or state tax liens they could have redemption rights (up to six months) on the property.NEVER buy a house from a homeowner in foreclosure, or bid on a house at auction, without getting a title report.

Spend time researching each Ranking mechanism and once you understand how each one works start improving it to increase your rankings for peoples searches.Start small and Make Your Big Mistakes Early. 

After 3 months of fruitless negotiations with this person, buyout offers, debt forgiveness, appealing to ethics, etc. we had two moves on the chessboard left.Meanwhile in the bat cave....the string tenant had decided to move their belongings into each of the 5 bedrooms, install their own interior security cameras, fill up the garage and office with their cars and mechanics equipment.  

Just don't get into the mechanicals, electrical and plumbing (MEP's) and you should be good.

In terms of rehabbing the property, the workflow can range from throwing a coat of paint on a wall or two, to an entire gut of the mechanicals, windows, siding, and flooring.

@Drew SygitMy husbands background is machining/mechanical.

Suggest you do some research (Biggerpockets is a great resource) to identify virtual meetups in your target market or some other mechanism to network with investors in the area.