This tax change could trigger even with offering contacts for those services as it could be construed as contractors.

You may have to search a bit for the right contractor or engineer - sometimes I see one solution dominating in an area - "that is how we always do it" 

And you can do it with little cash, 5% down conventional is better than 3.5% FHA.House hacking also gives you a chance to cut your teeth in all major skills: analyzing deals, buying process, financing, working with contractors, advertising for rent, background checks, property management.

@Corbett BrasingtonIf you are communicating with the seller directly, better to have less people talking to the seller.The realtor can have some roles as follows1) Connect you with his references for property management / contractors / title companies / etc2) Give you comps to indicate what the property is worthBest of luck

No big deal, I worked with insurance and contractors to get the repairs done.

I then hired contractors for plumbing, electrical, roofing, and HVAC upgrades.

I have my own properties throughout the area, and have worked with many contractors, PMs, lenders, insurers and attorneys that I can recommend.

I do not want to pay a plumber to do the plumbing for this work.  

In south Florida, there are a ton of free RE networking events where contractors, agents, mortgage brokers, etc all meet for drinks etc and I have found this to be a great way to find good people in the business.

And, would that invalidate the contract? Or