There is no cost to you and you're gaining favored client status points AND a professional RE advocate to help you in all aspects of the deal.If you don't think it's a benefit to have your own RE agent involved with the deal, then you may need to find another RE agent.  

The Bigger Pockets Blog https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/is a great resource for all aspects of real estate investing.

You have come to the right place to learn about all aspects of real estate.

The Bigger Pockets Blog https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/is a great resource for all aspects of real estate investing.

The Bigger Pockets Blog https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/is a great resource for all aspects of real estate investing.

I need criticisms and suggestions because this is my first go at it.

@Tony Clark I'm not married, so I can't speak to that aspect, but as I'm sure most investors on BP will attest, REI is one of the more powerful, sustainable ways to create and maintain wealth. 

My contractor placed his bid to do all aspects of the renovation and then I did things like you mentioned, painting, help with clean up, hauled away trash to trim some of the costs.

I believe an FHA loan requires you occupy the property for at least 12 months. while you need to double check this, if accurate, it means at month 13 you could buy another place, FHA insured at 5% down, and pick up a second property. that is a strategy you could implement over a number of years if the math works. as for a multi-fam that allows you occupy one unit, vs. single fam house or even condo, it just comes down to math. there is nothing wrong with having a friend or random occupant rent a bedroom from you, as long as the rent reflects fair market value (so I don't agree that charging a friend rent "could strain the relationship" - unless you're over charging of course). beyond all that, it is absolutely critical, obviously, that you screen your tenant / roommate rigorously - and living with "friends" isn't always a good idea. create an excel spreadsheet of these three verticals, any others I may have missed, with math predicated on what your local market reflects and feedback from lenders and see what it looks like. 

The Bigger Pockets Blog https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/is a great resource for all aspects of real estate investing.