This tax change could trigger even with offering contacts for those services as it could be construed as contractors.

With regard to renovations, I always suggest taking incremental steps to bigger renovations or partnering with someone who has already done a renovation at that level.I've been known to just go for the big rehabs for my personal investments here in Chicago , and during that process, it's always more stressful than it needs to be...As far as navigating the competition, I've found the best thing I can do is get EXTREMELY CLEAR  on what I am looking for; then I am confident pulling the trigger quicky. 

Usually this triggers eviction.

Just make sure you guys are comfortable with the area before pulling the trigger.

If I find a deal on an area I would consider living when I move back I would like to be able to pull the trigger and possibly refinance into an owner-occupier loan once I move back to the US.  

You would only pay taxes on all passive investments in a traditional SDIRA at distribution, unless you have a mortgage, then the portion of the income derived because of the mortgage will be subject to UDFI (unrelated debt finance income) which will trigger UBIT (unrelated business income tax). 

Appreciate if any personal experience can be shared that triggered the need.Thanks

If the mortgage is in trouble that would trigger a foreclosure.

It sounds like a good opportunity and I want to pull the trigger but I wanted to get some reviews since the program is a high ticket of $15K I couldn't find much online about this program or Brian Grimes. 

There are often automated flags that will be triggered if you do it, so it's best just to know how they will react.