But even in CA where it is a more stringent in their laws, there is no such law, unless you have a different structure, such as cost plus contract or time and material contract. but you have to specify it on the contract that the contractor will provide all receipts and labor times, we have this on government change orders where we only get 15% of whatever we spent, but we have to give them all receipts and time in/out logs before we see a dime, for residential project contracts the chances are very slim to none.

Pretty slim deal.

Let's say traditional:You would need at least 20% downPurchase Price: 84,900Down Payment: 16,980 (down payment)Financing: 67,920Monthly Payment: 327 (PITI 500 or less)Two beds are renting for about 750 month in that area50% rule leaves about 375 to pay Mortgage.That is very slim, and if the monthly payment is more than 375 then you are losing money.However, that is just one scenario out of many involving a lease option.You could have the tenants pay a premium which would cover the mortgage and get you some cash.

Fraud (which is rare) with a trust account is a great way to lose it all in both fields.The chances of the brokerage or attorney going on vacation with your money are slim.

OTH, I'd not suggest you seek just anyone out there to seek advice from, the chances of getting really good advice would probably be slim. :)

I've been focused on gaining a residential construction job and am finding it slim pickings around my area (Chicago) so thought this would be a stepping stone for a future Flipper.I received my Construction management degree back in 2012.

Furthermore, San Diego is slim on good deals, and when you have one, they can make a lot of money.  

Those are the numbers I'm seeing on the mls so obviously off market deals will be a lot cheaper but my point is your chance of finding a house in an area I'd feel comfortable walking around at night in for under 80k is pretty slim unless it needs a whole lot of work or is very small.  

@Ericka Grant Yeah, I've been noticing that the deals here seem pretty slim.

For those who don't and have relied on desperate sellers offering 20+% instant equity at closing the pickings have gotten slim.