I would love to get projects like this for myself too around Seattle areas if I have funding for the lands :) The need for cheap and affordable housing is there to fill. 

I am an out of state investor in Indy and recently got my offer accepted but the lender is now offering an extremely high rate 6.375% with a 3.5% discount rate for $3,172.

Know how and who is going to manage, speak with local PM companies (if not self managed) do some due diligence on projections, nightly rates and optimally visit (if haven't already) the areas you're exploring investing in.

Plus you might have a good rate compared to todays market.

Since about April of last year rental rates and occupancy has been in the literal toilet.

I got this house at such a discounted rate because of the shape that it is in and because it was a friend who I am trying to help out.

None of this is cheap .  

The reason I am trying to get these prices is because I hear the going rate from contractors for a high end retail flip right now for a whole kitchen is about $5,000 to $6,000.

You get a separate (small) bill from Guardian for their service, but the cost is incorporated into the billing rate that Guardian charges the tenants.

Your gang of thieves (and it would take a gang) might have better odds  of success knocking off armored cars at high noon or kidnapping wealthy children for ransom (a crime with a near-zero success rate in the developed world today).Get the case number, contact the USPIS independently, see if this rent heist story isn't really a snow job.