I'm going to keep looking and keep all options open at this stage...

There's also no condo association to fine the other unit's owner for excessive noise, failure to keep the exterior and yard well maintained, parking a dozen junk cars in the yard, etc.I *hate* the location.  

Seller to receive excess $$ (approx 1/3 of amount held) around 90 days after closing once the open item bills have been obtained by the Title Co and paid. 

At this stage I'm thinking I need some real help.

I enjoyed the read as I am in the beginning stages of trying to figure out my next steps and listening to podcast and webinars.

That's the highest risk client we deal with, outside of trophy wives with excessive jewelry and lots of small dogs.Good investors understand that the cheapest contractor isn't likely to do the best job, and that the contractor who always tells you what you want to hear isn't really the one who's going to deliver your project on time.My company no longer does investor work, except for my own projects, so I'm not looking for business from anyone on here.

You can negotiate and pay a fair price and then use the excess funds generated by your good negotiation to improve the property where it should be - and you burn up all your 1031 proceeds that way as well.

@Colin Yang congratulations on identifying real estate as a good investment vehicle at this stage in your life!

He sends me pictures of each progress stage and he sent me the picture as soon as he had finished putting the bathrooms tiles up.

You'll meet TONS of experienced investors who can tell you what they did when they were at your current stage.