However there are some reputable new construction builders in the area.There is, as you likely know, a housing shortage and, once Caesars Casino opens at the end of 2024, they anticipate 2 million visitors a year. 

The costs of a QI are also often relatively minimal in comparison to the interest and penalties you would pay if it is blown up.You are also parking significant sums of money with the QI - that alone is worth using a reputable QI to ensure your funds don't disappear. 

Having lenders or partners upfront places you in a better and more confident negotiating position and in the event you find a deal and can't find the money, now you lost the deal and have to back out damaging your reputation as a closer.

If a deal crumbles and you lose money it won't be because of the financing, given you're dealing with a reputable broker or lender who has closed 100s of deals. 

However, I have a trustworthy and reputable private lender that is willing to fund my first few deals.

It would also be wise to have a reputable roofing contractor who has been in business for several years walk the roof and give you an estimate.

Some will go with a nicer pad and a cheaper carpet.The nicer pad makes the carpet FEEL more expensive to the tenant when they walk on it.A great pad also resists wear and tear and if you need to replace the carpet the pad usually can be used again.Used to you would put a plastic membrane in between the carpet and pad to protect the pad but the plastic would slide and make noise sometimes.Now they have pads with built in protection.You are not looking for the cheapest product but the best VALUE for what you pay.It depends on the area and what kind of tenants and rent base you are working with.

Does anyone have a reputable roofing contractor to recommend in Tampa?

They are so tunnel visioned into getting every penny for that particular deal that they loose focus on the fact that if you blow a deal up for $500 or $1,000 a couple times you now have a reputation.With this reputation you have lost all chances of having that super deal that does not come around very often come across your desk.

Their reputation is on the line with your local group.