Preparation is key, and relationships are everything.When closing a property deal, the funds typically required include a purchase deposit, which is refundable during the due diligence period, and an additional nonrefundable extension deposit.

The thing I didn't like about RentRedi after doing lots of research and preparing a spreadsheet with features and costs, is that RentRedi doesn't disclose up front that the accounting portion is linked to another company and is extra and, frankly, comparable to the pricing of the "big boys."   

And as investors we should know this, but always anticipate higher costs and longer waits.EXAMPLE Breakdown of Costs:Plan Purchase: $1,500Permitting Fees: $2,500-7,500Site Preparation (grading, utilities, foundation): $20,000–$30,000ADUs require separate utility connections for water, electricity, and sewer but you can tap into existing utilities at the primary houseIn Raleigh you CANNOT split lots fee simple, so setting up completely separate utilities would not allow you to section off the ADU as of nowYour ADU must be on a permanent foundation (no wheels, no ability to move the structure)Construction (labor and materials): $100,000–$150,000Low-grade: $150–$180/sq ft averageMid-grade: $180–$220/sq ft averageHigh-end: $220–$250/sq ft averageLandscaping/Finishing Touches: $5,000Total Estimated Cost: $125,000–$200,000You could easily spend $200k+ with super end high finishes, custom designs, complicated sitework, adding a second story or more sqft, etc.

One other possibility to prepare for is that the court may ask the two of you to meet with a mediator prior to the judge hearing the case.

Tools like QuickBooks or even a simple spreadsheet can help you mentain compliance and prepare for audits.Reinvest WiselyScaling a short-term rental business often requires reinvestment in marketing, property upgrades, or even hiring help.

Hundreds of hours spent listening to podcasts and reading books on and off during that time kept the dream alive and prepared me to take the leap when an opportunity came up.I had received my real estate license about a year earlier to make some extra money but we were hitting a point in our debt and near future expenses that I knew I had to step out and make something happen.

Maybe go prepared with a spreadsheet of fix up costs prior to just hitting her up with that.

They raise X amount of dollars and then hit a wall, because they are not prepared.

GC's are all very well prepared in contracts now post covid, so there will be job stops when there isn't $ to cover those job cost runs. 

It's one of those things where if you are going to require it, you have to be prepared to evict for not getting it.