For example, if the contractor bid a house at 10k, suppose I cut a deal with that contractor so that they get paid 10% of the bid.  

(By the way, I am also a Realtor, so I don't cut other Realtors any slack).

My primary objective is to help Individuals and Private Investors earn Above Market Returns on Passive Investments, that are Doubly Secured by Real Estate Equity and Positive Cash Flow, while focusing on Capital Preservation and Wealth Creation, over the medium to long term.I came to join BiggerPockets because I always have this Burning Desire to Expand my Model of the Universe, stay on the Cutting Edge and be surrounded by Like-Minded Professionals.

Such properties often turn investors with good intentions into slumlords, cutting costs increases profits but later on it can cost you in various ways, city officials, legal issues, insurance can go up, quality of tenants goes down, a property can become a liability.

The only things I did was cut up a tree branch that broke, and paint the outside of the house. 

I am struggling with this now because I took a new position as an assistant property manager to gain more experience but at a pay cut.

More risk, but also more opportunity when its not so cut and dry...

I have put in writing that any and all improvements will stay.I am struggling with this now because I took a new position as an assistant property manager to gain more experience but at a pay cut.

If I am unable to sell and need to re-list though, I am afraid holding costs will really start to cut into my profits.

We have been doing this for about a year and a half now and we have been cutting our competition off at the knees....