Ugh, this puts such a sour taste in my mouth...

Majority of OOSI get a bad taste for REI. 

Don't bite off more than you can chew on your first deal, it will likely leave a bad taste in your mouth.

This is my first investment deal and I was looking for a safer option where I could get a taste of renovations and a taste of the process.

This is my first investment deal and I was looking for a safer option where I could get a taste of renovations and a taste of the process.

However, they likely had a bad experience to put that taste in their mouth.

If you're the type of person that needs to touch and taste, i'd stay local.

I'm asking for a bit higher quality in the accents (a few barn doors, more tasteful tiling).The two other quotes came in at 228K and 250K.

However the fact you have a family and need a home but you also have a taste for real estate investing.... if I were you which I definitely am not otherwise why would I be commenting on my own post.

If you talk to the local N.C. beer producers they will give you a huge discount and provide a little write up on the brewer with tasting room location.