If you're relying on insurance, be sure that it covers intentional acts include Fraud, violations of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (in Texas), etc.

If the asset is NY, like the OP, then those bids tend to be around in the mid 40% of FMV and lately have been trading for premiums 10% ahead of that more centrally located to the major MSA.  

Only use licensed tradesmen for those trades that need one, such as electricians, plumbers and hvac technicians.

You learn the trade when you get out there and start doing.Now the benefit to online is you can take the class at your pace and plow through it quicker.

If you reinvest only $100,000, you will have traded down sufficiently in value that you will recognize all of your gain and pay the corresponding taxes (and defer nothing).  

Unless you plan to work the property I suggest get the best property you can get whether it is 1 or 2bedroom.I'm looking to trade a SFR for a condo in the next year or two and would go to SF in a heartbeat if they'd take my low tax base. 

According to a report by the , since 2008, both the city and New York metropolitan region have lost a far greater share of jobs in blue collar sectors like manufacturing and wholesale trade than most other cities.

Right now I'm at 50/50 with profit sharing on each sale going to his brother who is a project manager by trade with built in contingencies on time for completion and material overages.

You might be able to trade or better yet make enough money wholesaling that it covers your down payment for an investment home.If you don't have time to take calls then I don't know where you're going to find the time to rehab a home/flip a home.

My favorite thing to do when calling references (and this goes for any trade, contractor, lawyer, accountant, etc...) is to ask if they know anyone else who uses their services and get their number.