I opted to have most items delivered — which the contractors appreciated.

The contractor has stated that they'll fix any damage, but some of the damage is to drywall that has kitchen cabinets hung on them.

It gets paid over time but it still is an unexpected expense.i enjoy learning and want to hear from more experienced owners. 

You’ll probably come across various “negatives”, this may require, or may provide an opportunity for negotiating a price reduction in the final contract.  Or

You may pay a bit more and make a little less, but playing the long term game is key in real estate.The types of structures could be lump sum (one price) or cost plus (meaning you pay the cost of material and labor plus a flat fee—more of an open-book model).I see some investors who want to pay for ALL the materials, which is excellent for the investor (more control of finishes & cost) and general contractor (if they are getting paid well).  

I have been recommended to find the best team in market- REA, Contractor, etc.

However, by staying on top of project management and maintaining clear communication with contractors, we overcame these challenges.

I know a lot of people on BiggerPockets talk about real estate investing as a means to an end, but I'm think I might also just really enjoy the strategy, execution, and hands-on work involved.

We always do a 15-business-day inspection period and advise the seller that we will need access to the property, which usually takes 2 to 3 days to get our financial partners and contractors to the site.

Creating a good team of honest people especially contractors can take a while.