I strongly advise consulting your attorney before engaging in such matters, as their expertise can provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge and guidance.

If you feel you really want something more special for a nicer flip or something, get a design consultation from someone local who can give you a whole color scheme for the house that will make things pop. 

Pay for 2 hours consultation time from an attorney experienced in contractor real property law (if you don’t know of an attorney contact me and I will provide a referral) to understand the specific applicable laws, the risks, and potential costs2.

Depending on the investment and your current knowledge, this can take from 2 to 20 hours of research.2, Spend $400 - $600 for 2 hours consultation with an attorney who specializes in real estate IN THE STATE that the underlying property is located in.3.

I understand, consultation is not free.

You might consult with him or attend his class.

Should I first consult with an attorney to discuss my options, or can I move forward directly with legal action?

My expertise spans residential construction, and I recently started my own virtual residential construction consulting business to share my knowledge and help others succeed in the industry.I’ve successfully flipped multiple homes and am now looking to expand my investments in long-term rental properties.

Many attorneys charge a consultation fee that will be credited to my bill if I continue to work with them but I don’t want to pay for various consultation fees unless I know for sure that I have contacted the correct attorney.

I work as a Fractional CFO for real estate investors all over the U.S. and consult with them on these same issues you're facing.