I haven’t been able to get an answer if they expect to still be on budget. 

To stay secure, I’d recommend saving 3-6 months of mortgage payments, budgeting for repairs, and possibly investing in a home warranty.

If you are looking to build an ADU in the Los Angeles area, my partner builds them very well, with a great budget and in about 3 months. 

Below are some actionable steps I plan to take after identifying a market:- find a rock star agent by referral and/or calling brokerages and asking to connect with their top producing agents- find a rock star contractor by referral and/or yelp- have control over construction by setting per diems to incentivize contractor to finish the project on time, within budget, and with good quality- leverage my rock star agent's time to check up on the construction process (checks and balances)- hire independent handymen/inspectors to check up on the construction process for a flat fee (checks and balances) There's competition everywhere, you won't escape that in any market. 

Yes, the upstairs needed it, but tearing out the downstairs not only cost a lot that was not in my budget, but also greatly added to the cost of the rehab.I kept asking Chris when the Spokane house was going to be done; he told me he needed more money.

Get a bank statement to cross-reference their paychecks as most employers now direct deposit.You'll also see if they have a savings history or are living paycheck-to-paycheck.If they are not paying rent right now and have no savings, how well do you think they'll be able to adjust their budget, so they can pay rent on time?

I know it seems like a tough task, but can you spend a few more months or a year while you continue to learn to really tighten the budget or find ways to earn a little extra to start from a stronger position?

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

I was planning on building the home in the traditional stick built style in my budget but am wondering if doing prefab may save some money/have other benefits.

The project was budget-conscious but impactful, ensuring the unit is ready for future renters.Reflecting on 2024: Wins, Challenges, and Lessons LearnedLooking back, my first year as a landlord was a crash course in property management.