If he is crazy and wants 500k then you don't need to waste time seeing how to figure out repairs costs.

Some examples of improvements include: a new deck, storm windows/doors, wall-to-wall carpeting, duct work, and insulationHere is link to a great forum discussion regarding this topic of Cap Ex vs Expenses: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/70013-techniques-to-report-capital-improvements-as-repairs

Mind changer is a factor, if you pay me 5 times to paint the same wall 5 times, just because you don't like the color, that's a no no for me.

I think they are a waste of time for actually finding a buyer for that house, but great for the agent drumming up business, and if you are a branded fix and flip company to generate brand/market exposure that you really do buy houses and fix them up nice.All that said, I happened to sell that house on my first, and only open house to a couple who were just starting to look in the area, but had an agent.  

Some sheetrock, wall repair, paint, screen repair, hanging fans and fixtures, checking the A/C, etc.I would like to establish a long term relationship with a contractor that has the skills, reasonable pricing (as we will do a lot of these), and can pull permits where needed.If this describes you... please contact me...

You name it - HVAC, floors, windows, full electric, new bath, new kitchen, new walls. 

Also you can try Thumbtack and HomeAdvisor as well but remember that contractors have to pay for those leads so be serious with your intentions before you throw out requests so you aren't wasting their time and money.

I just don't want to waste someones time if they are expecting me to have a property in contract before contacting them.

It was extremely hard because when I put him down for a nap all I want to do is sit on the couch and stare at the wall for an hour.I ended up putting him in daycare, which was hard, but like you, I had to choose to go all in on real estate or continue to struggle.

I understand the reason I'm being ignored is because no one wants to help someone starting out without any solid money because they would probably just waste a lot of time.