Assuming they are professional and skilled in the craft - alot of the issues you have faced, they will remediate and mitigate moving forward.

Plus you'll most likely make more money in home value growth compared to a multi family. 

The comp house will likely be owner occupied by a couple, both with professional jobs. 

One key takeaway for future projects is the value of hiring professional painters.

You will also discover the warranties don't cover as much as you think, and claims are often denied.Home warranties are so bad that most professional property managers will not manage a property with one in place.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Estimating is both art & science and FWIW most professional estimators rarely get it spot on, usually operating within a Delta.There's tons of estimating books, software etc.

Your best bet is to ask for referrals from professionals in the space: realtors, other investors, this forum, FB groups, etc.

Readers should seek professional advice.

The first is that there's no consensus between tax professionals, and the second is that you will not like my personal interpretation.My interpretation is:Until the property is "placed in service" - everything goes into basis.Illustration.You buy a property July 1st.You finish rehab November 1st and put the property on the market.Your tenant moves in January 15th.The property was placed in service November 1st, and it does not matter that the tenant did not move in until the next year.Everything paid between July 1st and November 1st, including interest and utilities, goes into basis.