Check your state's department of real estate to see where they stand on this.To avoid illegal activity, have your buyer in place first, contract with them via a new entity in which you both are owners and you simply sell your shares at closing for your fee or contact with them for a consulting fee and pass the deal along to them.

A more experienced investor can usually estimate repairs without consulting licensed technicians, but it takes practice.

Get a free consultation and have them sell you their services.

@Glen Holmen-  sell ....use proceeds to payoff  any debt....reinvest the  remainder .....this way they are simplifying  their lives / getting debt  free  /  investing  to  generate more income ....... things you  dont mention is  their  current other  income sources / their current other  assets ....consult  with their  financial  advisor  for  options  .....if they have  a primary with lots  of  equity - a reverse mortgage is  also  a source for  oncome ( if needed )

Consult a real estate attorney & CPA for structure & advice.

I have paid for consultations with CPAs when I needed help.IMHO, I think REI, more than any other Form of Investments, requires that you understand the many tax laws that make it such a rewarding form of investment.Cheers,

Mysteriously, they say they consult industry databases to determine construction costs, but then they don't come close to agreeing.

They set up the exchange with the closing company, handle the transfer of funds, and consult with you to keep you on the straight and narrow.You are correct. 

As a consultant I can work freely.

My next question is, maybe a consultation with a Dev on whether RoR is best for you would be a great idea while you're in transition anyway.