Many contractors get burned by property owners and getting paid through the lien process is no fun at all.Another thing to think about with GC’s asking for a large deposit is their ability to be in it for the long haul and to potentially handle multiple projects simultaneously.

If STR is fun, then do it.

Home sales typically decrease during the winter months.

I'm sure this was not comfortable or fun to spend this money for the fixes but the fact that you were able to find a way to do so and stay in the game is really a feat so kudos there!

@Greg Weik I am merely making fun of myself.

This issue alone kills many HUD dealsYour agent must fill out the request form and deliver it to the FSM with the required $$$ to de-winterize. 

Fun business, huh?

STRs also have the seasonal aspect to it for the winter time in COS and long term rentals are steady. 

Great for Iowa winters.  

I love the idea of fix & flip right now @Abigail King, especially right now here in Chicago and I am sure it is similar for you in central Illinois -- it's winter so there are way less buyers and if you can get under contract soon you can likely rehab over the winter months and hit the spring market!