Lessons learned, as I feel this is very important with every project.1.)

Yes, try to get an Inspector that is also a GC or FE...they will miss much less on a project like yours...

There are some high quality folks in the mix and the value is having them as part of your network.I think that the most important lesson to learn is how to find people willing to invest $100K at a time when you have a deal to fund. 

Money well spent for the lessons I learned.

ThanksThere will be another thread for explanations and nitty gritty....this will be one in a series of threads.DIY rennovations can make help your bottom line a lot....Expensive lessons with contractors can tear apart your margin.1: RUN: contractor gets out of car smelling like alcohol2:Yellow: contractor's kid is ALWAYS sick3: Yellow: contractor slow to provide references4: Red: No ID presented on request5: Yellow: Requests to borrow YOUR tools

History lesson here: Sounds like your stairs are 'burglar stairs.'

They normally have a split unit that’s specifically designed to work with mobile homes.The “Specifically designed” part brought with it a lesson we just learned the hard way.

Instead, I learned an important lesson! 

That's a lot of time that can't be gotten back, but hopefully with some valuable lessons and insights that can be leveraged in negotiating and managing contractors. 

Lesson learned - always have a time next to the date for possible proof of having the first contract... and, get it to the title company as quickly as possible (although 4 hours isn't that long haha).