Please don't pay any kind of money, especially that amount for some kind of Instagram influencer.

If there was an expectation of reimbursement then there should have been a discussion before moving in about money owed in the event of (whatever)?? 

Give them money or they lien the house and walk off the job. 

@Melissa Thompson I've never heard of this company but you should be able to verify wiring instructions over the phone and I'd never wire money to a different entity than the one on the contract, or anyone who I can't verify several different ways.

I’ve owned 4 rentals, done ~10 flips, done BRRR and been a hard money lender.

You're spot on with how private money lending offers speed and flexibility compared to traditional banks.

In 2017 we started our journey with long-term buy-and-hold investment properties in the Memphis, TN area after selling a property that we were losing money on every month in NOVA that we purchased as a primary residence in Jan 2007 (talk about all-time bad timing) and then had to move with the Navy in 2009 (2nd all-time worst timing).

This is definitely less than $150 with a plumber, unless they run into some issues.Any handyman can do this job for less than $80.The high price is probably due to your PM hiring a plumber when they should have hired a handyman to save you some money.

The warranty company is the money making business.

We have minimal resources as far as money goes, but we have a relatively long list of upgrades (window treatments, hardware, light fixtures, paint, etc).