My favorite personal example is when my ex got a bill for $1700 to fix the tiny front porch railings, likely $300 in materials at most.. they never asked--- they tell you to jump, and you jump.     

Tha is okay though because the crew can start demo in one room and begin to store the materials inside if it is raining in a room they have already done and then move the materials to the dumpster once it arrives.After that, your GC most likely will ask for a deposit for all or the first phase of materials and can continue to require a materials deposit for the other phases.

I had all the classes (study materials don't replace classes) but no actual experience. 

I know of some people who are building new in the $70 range but the materials used will not last quite as long and the finishes will not command higher rents.  

I'm going to be putting tile in a duplex and I want to know what material will hold up the best.

Would you recommend purchasing the material and just bidding out the work or paying someone to do things turn key?

I'm looking for a sources to find good solid study material on the subject.

Same for replacing paneling with Sheetrock, lots more finish work at all doors and windows due to thickness of material.

I don't see how anyone could learn the material in 1 or 2 weeks of classroom.  

Mark Paup ,Just from a contractor's perspective, I would get the full seller's disclosure, and make sure there are no asbestos materials (tile, loose fill insulation, wrapped pipes, etc) and make sure there is no lead paint.