From an accounting and financial perspective, the decision to buy or rent heavy equipment like an excavator depends on a few factors.First, consider how often you'll use it.

My properties have property managers and are rarely vacant.Glad to see you’re learning a lot and on your way to financial freedom!

Contractors often run over time, and having a contingency plan in place both financially and logistically, could help you avoid a major dip in profits.Second, screening contractors more rigorously or, as you mentioned, running as owner/builder to control subs directly can help you keep costs and timelines in check.

I’m sure this is an emotional decision and without knowing your particular financial situation or your mom’s I’m cautious to give too much opinion.

How do I approach it in a financially smart way?

(I find BP to be the most helpful community on the internet)Cross border investing has immense upside financially and on the tax side as wellTo answer your question, the way your entity is structured plays a pivotal role, especially in the upcoming tax year. 

Most hard money lenders can lend you up to 90% of the purchase price and 100% of the rehab costs with a 12-month term and a rate of 10.49-12.49%Hard money lenders issue what's called an asset-based loan, so they will consider the property itself along with its potential future value, not your personal financial situation.

The equity created will give you a good buffer during these uncertain financial times. 

Hi Dylan,Your strategy to buy a townhouse for $260,000 with an initial $9,800 investment and live in it before converting it to a rental is a financially savvy move.

Best to buy 2-4 unit, live in one, rent the rest.Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a Class A property in Class D area, what quality of tenant will you get?