I dont like to think the idea that I could have solved a situation that caused me real concern with $3,500 and an attorney.

If your realtor doesn't have a sophisticated system for querying the MLS a lower-tech method is to have the agent do a full CSV dump of the MLS for SFR and send it to you after stripping out the non-public data columns. 

@Albertinny Colin yeah, you can kind of see where all of these are going but the ENTIRE point of the BRRRR method is to reduce the out of pocket expense you have.  

I'm not sure that picking just one strategy is a good method, similar to what @Joe Villeneuve said.

This could get messy.....I found a better method to be this: ask for an invoice for each phase (or so) of work...i.e Demo/Foundation, then Framing, rough, then Electrical/Plumbing /HVAC.

@Mariajose Hidalgo we use the lockbox/drivers license method on occasion and have never had any issues. 

Perhaps you or another tenant would like to install a ring camera again and problem solved.

I always tend to value them based more on the comparable sales method...

That's a very common method.

Was considering getting a personal loan, any advice on this or alternative methods?