You can measure the success of the brokerage by the number of agents that leave after a few years, to start their own brokerage, and whom become successful (some just leave because it's bad and try it on their own and never quite get it).

If the proforma has the rent roll at $1400 a month, there is a discrepancy that could lead you into a bad assumption on your business plan.Also one caveat, be aware of physical delineations around the area like bridges or railroad tracks or a canal. 

Somehow they bury bad reviews on google with great reviews.For clarity, I own DealMachine (not batchleads... totally different companies).

@Kristen SnedekerDid you find a good PM or even a bad one for others to know about?

Others have little/no experience and will give you bad advice that takes you down the wrong path.I recommend you focus on educating yourself while saving more money. 

You may have to search a bit for the right contractor or engineer - sometimes I see one solution dominating in an area - "that is how we always do it"  Thanks for the input - yes, it sounds like the specific area this house is in is particularly bad for foundation issues.  

They want to ensure against potentially lending on a property which may be destroyed/badly damaged.  

Using a HELOC isn't a bad way to go as long as the numbers make sense. 

Lastly, don’t get over levered or into a bad deal because you are so ambitious.

If you are not from this area, you should know it is even harder to rent a place when it is the holidays and it is cold and snowy outside, and the bad weather we had the first week of January hasn't helped you.I'd have a discussion about what it would take to rent your place.