(DO Ask for receipts if it's for material deposits.)Share competing bid information and "bid shop".Encourage bidders to get into a bidding war.Try to low-ball contractors.....they will try to cut corners or make it up with change orders a lot of times.And finally, DON'T assume that "All Contractors are Crooks" or that "All Contractors Will Rip You Off".  

As soon as you close do it comfortably on an improved property get the exterior door locks changed.  

I especially love this one as it is so current:"When industry trailblazers change course, you should wonder why.

What if you could encapsulate off each market invested into and then move money as the particular market changes? 

When you generate leads online you're competing with the big sharks so what might seem like a huge budget to you is pocket change in terms of Google.

I can't say there's a book that gave me much insight on specifics, mostly because the structure of so many deals is based on the market that the property is in, and regulations change so often, a book of that nature would become obsolete fairly quickly.

That's a good start, but every number will change over time, so conservative is good.

The #'s still work if i can get it filled, but there would now be time and $ hurdles to clear before getting back to the financials I thought I'd be stepping in with.Now that the situation has changed, am I still obligated to go through with things or forfeit my earnest money?

If not, then there will likely be some price/term change you would need to agree to, to keep the contract alive.  

Need a change.