@Jessica Seppo,Many people take the cost of an LLC and funnel it towards more insurance and an umbrella policy.

I don't quite understand the pushback. 

Don’t be fooled by high occupancy numbers if people aren't coughing up the dough on time.

I'm a pretty handy guy but this would be outside of my realm, but my experience helps me understand how much this type of improvement should cost.Improvements: remodel kitchen and bathroom, paint interior, fix exterior scafolding.How should I go about finding a contractor?

Quote from @Sami Gren: I don't quite understand the question.

Maybe also consider if they are "good people" that work in the community and just want a safe place to raise their family. 

You don't need to know everything to get started; you need a foundation to build on, and the rest will come through experience and then refining your education.You can build a basic understanding of investing in 3-6 months.

@Malcolm Brown it is great that you are thinking of the money to fund the deals you are going to get started with but understanding what a deal is, I think, should be the starting point. 

Seller wants $160,000 cash out which leaves $50,000 in equity for the buyer.I had a taker from CA but he couldn't come up with the cash.I was not aware of anyone that understands that kind of deal.  

I had to go that far away due to the insane cost of real estate in Boston, so I fully understand the predicament.