My wife and I run a chocolate company which takes up much of our time.

Very strange and kind of in a pinch trying to get this project done.

Find a location that suits your ideal customer and create a UNIQUE experience for them, whether its the location, the property, the amenities, the decor, the extras you offer, i.e. bottle of wine & chocolates, etc. 

I have a fairly decent residential construction background being a licensed civil engineer so I knew this could be handled more economically but the buyers did not want to consider any other alternatives and I was financially pinched to sell quickly since I was personally balancing 2 other houses.As far as them knowing who completed the work, they didn't know.

Even if it just carries itself, Id be pleased.Hi Matthew, all of this is just my opinion so take it with a pinch of salt but if I was in your position this is what I would be thinking/doing.

How can I ensure they’re doing what needs to be done and not pinching pennies to appease me or a future buyer?

A great investment for the investor who purchased it and the seller was able to relocate to somewhere in a pinch where there was warmer weather!

If you’re in a pinch and need to do some work yourself, I’d consider doing the demolition, landscaping, and if the market supports it, assembling RTA cabinets.If you have the know-how, installing plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures and bathroom accessories is another thing you could do to save a bit of money. 

They are a pinch more expensive as far as closing costs, interest rate, etc, and they also have shorter terms in most cases (5 years is kind of standard).

Also, be careful when folks try to pitch you some of the more distant inland communities because while they may sound attractive with retail pricing, they aren't necessarily the best locations and will feel the pinch first in a softening market.