We did not know about the 10% contingency factor or that a 203k loan is typically 0.5% higher in the interest rate.

They mentioned that getting contractor bids is typically the biggest sticking point.

In my short experience, the typical HML I’ve seen generally loan at 25-30% LTV with a note duration of 1-3 years, with the main benefits being a typically fast close and not having to go through a traditional lender for a Fannie/Freddie loan.

Before I pose my question, let me start off by saying that I completely understand every RE deal/strategy is different and each comes with its own pros/cons, as well as your own personal goals/desires, etc, etc, etc.So in a very generalized sense, if a would-be real estate investor has the option to start investing in SF/small MF RE, or being a passive investor in a larger syndication deal... which one typically is better (ie better returns on your investment)?

Typically houses in the neighborhood are sold very quickly.Other costs for me are joining the REALTOR association. 

The Margin is fixed while prime rate floats and its typically interest only.As for fixed rate loan cash out refinance its fixed its great but downside is you pay interest day 1 even if you have a project to work on or not.Depending on how you plan to deploy and how much you think you'll be deploying you'll pick a fixed or a line of credit.

In Chicago, we typically go with a Chinese made and American assembled cabinet.

I've done a number of owner finance deals as a buyer, and an attorney is not terribly expensive, typically about $1k per property including the note and title search. 

I built in an independent WIFI network so that the laptop can register my IP address while they work from the Philippines.I'm currently working on more training videos for them to have them doing more things, one of which include about 45k emails a month.I can literally be on vacation now and not stress a bit, I don't check my laptop every 2 seconds, I don't typically return emails or many calls at all.

Use common interior paint colors as well as the carpet as a way to save money.