I'm newer to investing myself; still trying to figure it out although i've been a real estate broker for many years and do actually own a few rentals.

I have a great contact for you who actually just moved down from New York, has some investments in New York and just purchased his first here in Lakeland.

I could make money 20 times faster when I do direct investment rather than syndication.These days actual syndication only gives 9-13% IRR max with potential of being wiped out completely 1:4 prior to covid and it's now 2:6/7 approximately after covid.not worth it in my opinion but that's my analysis but i do have lot of edge in what i do directly.

I've also seen public record show a higher sqft than what's actually there.

I feel like if they had a death in the family or something like that we should offer them a stay at a different date for free since they already paid.

This allows you to adjust your budget as you go, based on actual costs incurred in earlier stages.Given the specifics of the property and the ARV, your $60k estimate might be in the ballpark, but it's essential to validate this with as much local input and professional advice as you can gather.

I actually live more towards Cincinnati than I do SE Ohio.

Actually generate motivated seller leads. 

I charge a "Holding Fee" and use a one-page Holding Agreement that says I am holding the property with the agreement that they will sign the lease and start paying rent by a certain date.

They are actually on the nicer end of anything else in the area.