My score is very good, and I've used the time to safe up and do a lot of reading, listening, and watching RE materials.

But what I was most proud of was seeing so many people out....stores and restaurants opening (my favorite sushi place was already back up)...and just the return of life and "back to business" attitude that makes Houston such a great city.I already experienced contractors trying to jack up prices...some legit as I know getting materials is more expensive. 

We currently promote over 31,000 listing from all over US and $72B in inventory.The website has fantastic campaign in Google and is designed to capture as many buyers leads as possible but I am having problem monetizing it. 

Take pictures of everything before you gut, save all materials. 

The contractor used this flashing material https://m.lowes.com/pd/Peel-Seal-Instant-Waterproo...

If I can not get access to the property, I will assume anything built before 1982 will contain asbestos/lead in common materials (based on my experience there's a 90% chance this is the case).I believe Texas requires any "contractor" performing ASB abatement to have a license, which means Texas has some regulations established regarding removal & disposal.In California, if you are the property owner you can perform the removal/abatement yourself (assuming SFR), the only requirement is that the asbestos waste be bagged up & taken to a designated facility (in my case in Santa Barbara there is a facility at UCSB where homeowners can take the waste at no/minimal charge). 

If so, you can study the materials on your own and take the examination when you please without satisfying the hourly requirement.Sorry, I took an in person accelerated course in the winter months so I can't help you with online courses.

@Mark SpritzWhile in the the year that you open the solo 401k plan you need to be merely pursuing self-employment activity (see IRS Publication 560 which lists this specific language), it is important to note that generally in order to continue with the solo 401k plan you must continue to to perform "material services" with the intent to generate earned income from self-employment.

If it's a partnership - who is paying for material and labor?  

Getting a referral from a fellow investor is OK, however that contractor may be good for the referee, but could be not so good for someone else.Contractors are special individuals - they too are chasing the buck and trying to get the best deal possible.You may want to write specifications  of what you want done - once you know what you want you can better compare bids from workman.I have found that meeting real people with real tools at a time they are buying supplies and materials at Home Depot 5:30 - 6 am picking up stuff to do their daily work is sometimes an effective way to find the craftsman you are looking for at a price that will serve you well.Getting referrals is OK - but how do you know that they didn't over-charge the person who is referring you to them?