Ultimately it sounds like you looking to start and scale a portfolio over a relatively short period of time. 

I'll have them do a few small jobs as a "trial" period, before unleashing them on a bigger project.Good luck and if we could be of any help let me know!

If I will refinance before the 5 year fixed period expires, without any penalties, I'm having a hard time understanding why I'd want to go forward with a fixed rate currently.

My question is, who is responsible for these 15 days if anything happens to the property during this period?

I asked Engelo about this after an initial period of muted returns:Engelo: "You need to buy more properties to see higher annualized cap rates."

If you insist on doing it yourself: If you don't trust them to do the repair properly, you should ask to have your contractors come in to bid during the diligence period.

The LOI will outline your terms ie. the price you're offering, down payment, proposed financing terms, due diligence period, etc. 

Lastly, ask for a tenant estoppel to be signed by all tenants to confirm rent, deposit, ownership of major appliances, etc…Btw, you can argue that all DD info request has not been satisfied thus you can extend your DD period.

Period.

Have you done this successfully over a period of time?