Some do virtual things some are more on site. 

One of my first--and biggest to date-- blunders in real estate was working with a contractor that I deeply connected with. 

A good place to get an idea of what they look like is to go to one of the crowdfunding sites.

When the date came he said he wasn't going to submit it by the online app (stipulated in the lease) but would have it in cash and that we could come pick it up (we live 3 hours away). 

I used Hostaway for the last year and the they recently snuck in a 1.8% fee for our direct booking site.

I showed him the parts that talk about dates/term of the lease (one standard and other my “Others” note) and his high confidence we can use this clause stems from that.

But keep in mind if your using money you cant afford to get back then buying action property might not be appropriate for your current endeavors and its better to just buy open market were you can do proper due diligence and know you have a build-able site.

Who had no problem with my request to use the actual date. 

Questions like this often get better and more actionable responses.Also, keep in mind that while this site is an incredible resource, opinions can sometimes come across as blunt.

I have been working with my contractor about 23 years now and when we get involved in a project I go to the site at least 4-5 times per week.