FB definitely works better than craigslist nowadays but actually meeting buyers is your best bet.

Even just hitting the 1% rule is really, really tough to do nowadays out here. 

Etc, Etc.....Pay after complete AND passed inspection.Some phases may require a payment in advance, like framing, electrical or plumbing.......a typical house will have a lumber materials cost of $15k (more nowadays :-) and it is fair for a contractor to ask for 50% so he can buy his lumber, and not be out that much.

When you say flat roof, hopefully you have a slight slope, because there are "flat" roof systems using modified bitumen (peel and stick nowadays) or tpo.

What website or method do people use to find quality roommates nowadays?

Easy to find new renters nowadays....

Nowadays with technology, while you're sitting there, in the last 5 minutes you might have 3 text messages from agents wanting to hear back from an offer they sent 10 minutes ago.

Most people nowadays shy away from long leases as life in general has become more tumultuous.

The big thing is also to rent fully furnished units. kids nowadays just want to move in, mattress have to be legally changed out within every five years. 

Buildings 10 x15 or 10 x 20 equivalents are running around $4,000 erected.