Although ideally you can control costs by paying materials directly, I’m not opposed to a small down payment (20-30%) for a larger job which translates to their materials and a setup usually. 

My wife translated for a couple that was staying in Colorado due to seing a specialist and it would have been a blessing to have a home close to the hospital to rent.

The Estimating book wouldn't translate very well to audio version (there are a lot of tables and numbers), so I don't expect that one to be turned into an audio book.

I get all kinds of ridiculous prices, that honestly some of those quotes have pushed me into DIY and in part, “I am grateful to them for that” because I have since learned a lot, but I do wish that at times, contractors would look past gender and even race before spitting out ridiculous prices.Secondly:Lack of follow-up.Not sure if it is just Denver, or if others are experiencing the same problem.Met with a contractor for come work needed on a property that I am purchasing.Seller will finance some of the repairs.Need contractor to provide a written quote.Bad enough we are having some language issues as he speaks Spanish, I don’t so communication is via google translate (oh boy).He came highly recommended, so I am trying to hang in there, but only for so long.Still waiting on him to send me the written quote.Sent out a reminder this evening asking him to provide by tomorrow or at least let me know if I should move on to find someone else.I really cannot understand what is happening with contractors in the Denver Metro Area.Perhaps they just have way too much business that if your project appears too small, then they will relax on responses?

Translation is: competent but cheap.I think the most common "ideal" attorney is someone who iscompetent in everything RE-relatedavailable 24/7, directly and not via staffprovides inexpensive as-needed servicesprovides free advice in between engagementsdelivers all commitments on time, including last-minute emergency requestsThis is not my personal list - it is an observation of what my clients seem to want.

When I   got a mentor  that made all the difference  he was able to help translate the info and assist in setting up a canadian based business that worked for me. and NO I did not need a pile of money to get started just a lot of hard work.

There are more meeting about doing the work than there is time spent doing the work"  I laughed and said "welcome to the next 30 years of your life"He, like many others, went to school to learn a specialty but did not know/think about how that education translates into what you do for a living and how you are going to spend the rest of your life. 

Don't be angry if you need to repeat yourself or maybe use a translator to get your point across.

Title searches, insurance, and other costs aren’t necessary on a HELOC, and that translates to less cost up front as well.In addition, lenders look favorably on those who use their current home to put a down payment on a second home.

It does not translate to real money world therefor it's use is highly restricted.If you want to see how restrictive try buying a coffee with bitcoin.