FSBO sellers who had a difficult time screening the buyers. 2) Home Pricing Errors. 3) Negotiation challenges.I think it take a special buyer's agent to complete a deal, from contract to close, with a FSBO listing on the other side of the table.If you have worked a FSBO transaction (either representing the buyer or ultimately the seller who list the property after attempting a FSBO deal), SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE!!!

You haven't given many details so it's difficult to give you a quality answer for your situation.

I have considered renting by the room but think it might make managing all the tenants difficult so I have tried to stay away from that option

Meaning, automatically turn on power when a tenant leaves...Or, is this to difficult with multiple power options.

But it's difficult for me to just hand over money to someone I've never met, when I have so many friends (and have read so many stories here) who have been ripped off by contractors.How can I protect myself?

Beyond being difficult to make the numbers work, it's just not a wise strategy IMO.

Last resort and the most difficult-find a hard money lender, but come with a plan on how you are planning to make him/her obtain a profit.

That said, my last Booking.com guest a couple of weeks ago was a bit difficult pre-arrival but ended up being a great guest and left a 10 star review (no comments though).  

As for our area, it is very difficult, even the 600K for Alexandria is not for single homes. 

It is so high that it has become very difficult to find any property where it will have cash flow.Have you gotten insurance quotes?