If not, you might want to get this done before you look at too many properties since the PM is the one that has to be on board to manage it for you.PM if you'd like a few suggestions on PM to interview.I'd be glad to setup some MLS searches for you as well - with no hang ups or foul language!

In my opinion that was your 1st mistake, " He who helps plan the battle never battles the plan" from how to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie, a must read.The above means you sit down with the trades individually and discuss there part and ask them what is the best way to move forward and as efficiently as possibly, they will tell you how to develop the schedule and plan, this dose not mean you do and agree with everything they suggest, this give them a say and respect and its there idea, so they think.I have done a few projects and I have never needed signed contracts with the trades, theirs more to managing projects then nuts, screws and wood, you are in the people management 1st and the trades are running there own business to make money, trust me that comes 1st in there minds.Mike

When push comes to shove, I wouldn't want to battle against the Feds.  

By the time I evicted them, they had lived without utilities for four months, the basement was nasty, and the house smelled so bad that day laborers refused to work in it.

Does your front door smell like a urinal? 

Also, make sure that if you are paid a contracted amount, that you don't fall foul of any "brokering without a License" rules that might apply in your area ). 

Knowing a deal is a deal is 90% of the battle, until you know how to know.GL HF!

You should be able to find an interest rate today for <3%.The service that penfed and b of o (I just call them BO, after the body smell) provide is adequate but can be frustrating.  

just got good news, our cash offer was accepted for the perfect small building in commercial zoning, for our planned non-profit pet rescue startup. its 2 floors freestanding with each level being 24ft deep by 18ft wide. the floors are bare concrete, and seems feral cat were living at some point in there while it was abandoned though havent seen any access points nor any kitties outside around the few times visited so far, just some skunks.how can i best clean the bare  concrete of its existing cat pee smell and stains?

I always see the college riots in the college towns bounce right back no harm no foul.