I met with a few contractors by phone or over coffee and I explained to them that this was the type of property I was targeting.

I created an electronic google doc time tracker: Time LogContemporaneous time log of rental real estate activitiesActivity DescriptionTenant recruitmentTenant screeningNegotiating and executing leasesOverseeing repairs and maintenanceCommunications with tenants and vendorsTravel timeResearch for potential rental real estate (pub 925)Acquiring rental real estate (pub 925)Paperwork/bookkeeping/bankingResearch and purchase of materialsRent collectionEvictionOn-site cleaningBill paymentOther:Time SpentDateMM/DD/YYYYSubmit

Interview them by phone or during the showing to see if they will meet your basic standards.

I also learned they had a $50K water repair a few months earlier, which likely made it more attractive. 

I put my personal cell phone on all of the Google Ads so when someone called in, my phone rang.

Here's the deal:Purchase Price (PP): $95kRenovation Budget (via HML): $60kTotal All-In Cost: $155kARV (After Repair Value): Around $200kRefinance (via DSCR Loan): 7% interest, 30-year fixedRefinance Details: After the refi, I will pay back the Hard Money Loan (HML) at 11.95% with 3 points:HML: $60,000Interest/fees: $3,585Other costs: $1,800Total to pay back HML: $65,385After the refi, I will have $84,615 left in cash.Cash Flow & Expenses:Expected Rent Income: $1,700/monthProperty Management (PM): $126/monthInsurance: $100/monthTaxes: $126/monthMortgage: $1,043.75/monthTotal Expenses: $1,395.75/monthSo my monthly cash flow is about:$1,700 - $1,395.75 = $304.25/month in cash flow.Return on Investment:Cash Invested After Refi: About $18,385 (after paying off HML and closing costs).Annual Cash Flow: $304.25 * 12 = $3,651Cash-on-Cash Return (CoC): $3,651 / $18,385 = 19.8%I didn’t account for maintenance costs since it’s a full gut rehab, and everything is brand new.

Quote from @Dina Schmid: If all goes well with Monday's post-repairs inspection, we should close later in the week on a cabin that we want to use as a getaway for us + STR when we're not using it.

It was also difficult to assess the heating situation after repairs since tenant refused to provide key to access unit for repairs and/emergencies, citing “privacy and safety” concerns.

Plus, these properties are usually sold as-is, so an inspection wont change much.What experienced Flippers Do InsteadBring a Contractor Instead A 15-minute walkthrough with a good contractor will tell you what you need to know.Know Your Numbers Upfront  If you price in a repair buffer, minor surprises wont kill your deal.Use the Inspection Period (If Allowed)  Some wholesalers offer a short due diligence window use it wisely.When an Inspection Makes SenseIf you’re new and not confident in spotting costly repairs.If its a high-end deal or potential structural issue.If your lender or partner requires it.If you do need an inspection, find an inspector who moves fast and work directly with the wholesaler to coordinate access.

This probably means the 1st year you are on the phone 8 hours a day 5 days a week calling people and trying to convince them to sell.