Don't pay the contractor in advance.  25% down is acceptable with phased payments when specific milestones are hit protects you and encourages your contractor to keep on schedule.  

:)I am very new too! The

I have never had a job not running over schedule and cost beyond control.

But think of their risks...What else could you or your team focus on if they aren't having to schedule multiple showings a day?

Would love to meet up or schedule a phone call if you are willing to share more on your perspective.  

As part of your interview process, you must ask your RE agent to give you analysis of a deal and then schedule 20-minute telephone conversation to speak with them about their assumptions and numbers.

A loan officer should use your Schedule E of your tax return and take your Net Income or Loss and add back to this number the following deductions: Mortgage Interest, Insurance, Taxes, HOA payments, Depreciation, and any major one-time event expenses.

If your a couple then you may have more income and one of you may have a flexible work schedule, these are the people who will typically get the places they want with the new law.

Thanks Esteban, way to be on top of my membership, I'm impressed.I scheduled to come the meeting on April 27th, will you be there?

Specifically someone who can sub-out the work and make sure things are running on schedule, in addition, my one point of contact.