If you are able and willing to do some of the work yourself, you can save a good deal that will help you control prices but remember, the trade-off is that the project will take longer and increase holding costs or renovation costs.Finally, be willing to use us on BP as a resource. 

My thought would be that you need to invest in yourself so you can increase your skill set and get a job with more income.

There is going to be a trade-off between cost versus quality.

$4000 across 3 doors is $1300+ per door-- likely better than any cash flowing asset you would be trading into.

Which fits your skills best?

I plan on getting into buy and holds so I'm looking for a job that will help me gain the skills needed for general renovations, as well as providing w2 income to help secure a loan.

(Before inspections were done from the BHFDP now the new person is a local well known building inspector with years of experience and owner of his own building inspection company, he will find something if it is wrong or right and he will point you at the right direction how to fix it.)Last 10 years the rental market including hotels has only increased, we are likely to see some drop but not a full stop.Majority of tourists are coming to town within driving distance, that includes, NH, CT, MA, NJ, NYBar Harbor will have its struggles I am sure, your neighbor might hate you for having STR but with the right management you can accomplish a lot and mitigate risks.Anyhow, there are some valuable advices above and I would suggest making peace with yourself, that good management company will cost part of your income, but you may not even have to lift a finger.There is a lot to learn, but been busy making great income on your w2 is it really worth "learning another trade".So much to learn especially with the clientele we get.Building reviews the first season is very important, having a co host someone with reviews and local experience can be more valuable than any other "online non personalized service"Anybody that just red my novel, thank you!

Practice analyzing deals in this market, because you know it, then take those skills out-of-state when you have properties to look at.

And then 3rd floor was a major project since the floor was unlivable so I wasn't sure I'd have enough money and didn't want to bite off more than I could chew to start.I say all that to say, while it's most time and cost effective to renovate by the trade and get it all done at once, sometimes that's not the best for your situation.

You want to shadow him as much as you can and see what you like about what he does and where you have skills that could help him.