Track your expenses in case you end up suing him for damages, you'll probably be able to recover it with time.Let me know if you have any other questions.

You have more of what you need to do real estate now than 99% of folks that start.My best advice is to stay in construction (you have an established track record) and use those contacts to rehab properties using a BRRRR strategy.

Account ClosedMichael, you are already on the right track. 

The more of a track record you create, the easier I think it would be to bring in a partner.  

@Daniel Hansen You're on the right track.

I budget and track everything.

Yes, you seem to be on the right track re the possible setbacks. 

I'm sure they'd be more than happy to show you the property and possibly even be a dual agent.

A pre-foreclosure can happen early and the owner many times expects to get right back on track so have no interest in selling right then.

And yes than look up property records on county sites and due internet searches to try and track down homeowners.