Both pros and consPROCESS MANAGEMENTHave punctuated check-ins to prevent expensive reversals of major work (closed walls, etc)Some incorporate 12–13 check points for renos (dry wall, plumbing, inspection, etc)Include others on team as needed like architect, structural engineer, designer = creates system of checks & balancesGCs may oppose very specific timelines since much uncertainty with availability of sub-vendorsManage timeline of how long different team members stay on, e.g. architect may only stay on through primary buildIf GC is already working nearby on another property, reno can move faster by limiting GC travel time from other jobs, etcContractors not always great project mgrs — CDP reviewed manpower & timeline plan with GC, and gave input that took multiple wks off project timelineBe particularly present around property for finishings, and KNOW your preferences (outlet placement, etc)A good GC is very adept at managing inspections — knows what inspector is looking for, avoids common pitfallsKnow your “snowball” problems (e.g. one bad decision upfront impacts MUCH future work)MISCELLANEOUSFor foundation, can have slab vs stilts / raised — slab tougher for work like plumbing since limited accessWhat permits / processes can you look up and manage in advance / get started early on?

He had a job in corporate finance for a large bank, and that's his forte.  

also would you recommend using an accountant since I can set up a basic one to start with on the government website.ThanksWe are incorporated, but only because it best fit our situation.  

If you incorporate some version of a house hack into your first purchase, you should be able to save up your next down payment exponentially quicker.A duplex is more likely to pencil once you move out of it as well here in Portland.

People who are sufficiently interested in learning how can do as I did - 30 years of University Degrees and Post Graduate Courses, and the same amount of time working as a professional in Urban and Regional Planning, Real Estate, Securities Dealing and 20 years in Corporate Finance as a lawyer. 

I don't want to see her get into debt and slave away in corporate America, or spin her wheels at some retail/service job.

I'm a one man show right now but I am trying to plan ahead and start implementing systems now for when I grow and start to incorporate VA's etc to delegate tasks.

I will incorporate the principles you've described. 

However, I also incorporate appreciation potential, price, area/rental traffic, rental history, tenant demographics, logistics, regional history, etc. and it's hard to know all that if you're not intimately familiar with the area.

I'm also going to incorporate the rest of what you've said.