It was completely unnecessary and now you are just creating problems for people who are trying to help you.

Marketing is totally unnecessary.

This is what all the YouTube gurus and amateurs preach, but it's completely unnecessary.

For a newly rehabbed property, 5% is probably unnecessary but it also depends on the location and total gross rent.5% of gross rent of $6k = $300/mo5% of gross rent of $2k = $100/moThe cost of CapEX doesn't scale just because you're buying a more expensive property with higher rents.

Make it easier on the installer so he doesn't have to make any unnecessary cuts which will save time and possible error.

This is a very expensive route and unnecessary as you could do option #2.2) Purchase in a land trust and sell the beneficiary interest.

I understand the desire to avoid unnecessary work/expense, because I'm a cheap s.o.b. 

You really should have enough money anyway a HELOC would be unnecessary 

Showing an occupied unit can be difficult and can create unnecessary stress for both the tenant and the landlord.

Bringing in a bunch of subs the GC has neither vetted nor worked with before will throw a monkey wrench into every phase of construction, especially if you're just shopping for the cheapest bid (spoiler alert, that never ends well).If you're trying to save money, here are some things you can do:1) Get bids from 3 reputable GCs that include a detailed SOW, that way you're comparing apples to apples.2) Trim down unnecessary items from your SOW.