It’s a great way to add value to a property without putting a ton of money upfront, and it can set you up for financial success in the long run.Has anyone else done a similar renovation project or used a gift of equity in their deals?

Since you know what you need to buy it at and an average rehab cost, I would say $50-70k for a cosmetic flip, set the ARV based on the sample you choose and doing comps and ask them if they would invest in a deal similar to this. 

Working on setting up my first home now...not there yet, though.

I know many landlords set a credit score threshold around 580-600 for Section 8 tenants since the program provides a rental guarantee.

I met with Wicked Smart today and was told they help you set up a lead sourcing system, help you structure creative financing - which is essentially lease option/purchase, subject to and owner financing....all strategies I am interested in learning more about.

However, from my research, it's extremely difficult to find any cities where the properties cash flow other than places like Cleveland which has its own set of drawbacks.

I'd suggest checking local Airbnb/VRBO data or using AirDNA to see occupancy rates and average nightly rates in the area.

Just setting some context here.

Quote from @Brandon Blackmon: @Bruce Woodruff 100% the answer I'm looking.... a solid GC, has a 20-25% markup to I would for sure know going into this that these are private companies and they can set their own fees. 

Setting them up to do well.