I need to keep a healthy balance in order to keep my grades up.

It was fairly graded, but my thought was looking at listings and seeing a lot of what I'm looking for in LA going for around $400 sq/f, totaling roughly a million...

On a typical project, here are the contractors I'll probably use:- Demo- Roofer- Painter- Carpenter- Plumber- Electrician- HVAC- Window Company- Tile Guy- Carpet Guy- Hardwood Guy- Cabinets/Countertops Company- Termite Inspection- Landscaping- Garage Door Company- House CleanerIn addition, on many projects I'll also use:- Drywall Guys- Insulation- Surveyor- Structural Engineer- Inspectors- Concrete Company- Driveway/Paving Company- Grading- Tree Trimming- Shower Glass CompanyFor big projects, new construction:- Architect- Civil Engineer- Foundation- Asbestos Removal- Sediment Control- Excavation, Dirt Hauling- Interior Sprinklers- Stone WorkEach of those contractors will typically get between 1-4 draws, depending on the scope of the work they have for the project.Then there are materials and other non-labor costs:- Permits (0-3 transactions per project)- Porta Pottys (0-3 transactions per project)- Home Depot Materials (3-5 transactions per project)- Dumpsters (1-3 transactions per project)- Paint Purchase- Cabinets/Countertops Purchase (2-4 transactions per project)- Flooring Material Purchase (1-2 transactions per project)- Specialty Material Suppliers (0-10 transactions per project)- Utility/Service Installation (0-5 transactions per project)- Private Inspections (0-5 transactions per project)- Insulation/Airtightness Tests- AppliancesOn top of that, I will potentially write several checks to:- Title Company- Property Inspector- Appraiser- General Contractor or Project Manager- Interest Payments- Utility Payments- Tax PaymentsOn top of that, I have my general business expenses:- Accounting- Legal- Interest Payments- Tax Payments- Brokerage Fees- E&O Fees- MLS Fees- Overhead/Office (Supplies, Equipment, Subscriptions, Software, etc)- Telephone/Fax/Internet- Income from Property SalesAll of these easily add up to a couple hundred transactions on a large project or new build, meaning many dozen per month. 

Hi AndrewThat's a tough one because tax rates seem to vary from state to state.I'll give you a quick example: Salt Lake City, Utah $300,000 home with an annual tax amount of $2,500.Detroit, Michigan $35,000 home with a $2,500 annual tax rate.Pontiac, Michigan ( different county that Detroit but only 20 miles north of it) $35,000 home with a tax rate of $700 annually.In the midwest and west I see an NOI of under 6%, in C grade neighborhoods.Select areas on the east coast and surrounding region I see NOI's of 9% to 15% in C grade neighborhoods.Property Taxes are the same whether the home is held personally or in an llc.I hope this helps, please feel free to send me any Specific questions and I'd be glad to answer them.Good Luck.

I think the pro on gravel is no asphalt to replace later on (maybe just add more gravel and re-grade it). 

In Phase I here, the homes with basements have the "ground floor" well above grade because the bedrock depth is so shallow over there.

With the market where it's at your going to need to spend at least $50k to own anything worth owning.Give The Ultimate Guide to Grading Cleveland Neighborhoods a read.

I've worked with several grades of laminate, and if you stay away from the very cheapest, you'll probably notice more wear after the fist few years (or weeks).  

@Kay FerdousOne more suggestion:  In your analysis of the property to see if it meets the grade, do not count ancillary income (especially laundry).  

Even when using the highest grade solar salt, shampoo and body wash were simply difficult to wash off in the shower.