I"de earn like maybe $100 or less as a mechanic at a tire shop.

With some REOs if you're a non-owner occupant your option period is only for you to get out of the contract, but they will not refund any EM deposits.Also, when picking your inspector or GC make sure they know how to cost repairs in a home that's been winterized (water lines and gas lines capped) or electrical utilities are off.This may mean bringing an air compressor to pressure test lines and a generator to check mechanicals.

I 2nd everything @Tyler Gibson just wrote with the emphasis on quality Operator - I have a 5/5 in ChampionsGate and what really separates me from others (even better homes) is my agility and quick responses to my guest's needs/issues. 

Not to knock the new team down, I'm all for making honest money, but the emphasis on driving revenue on the site and related products exacerbates the problem you clearly articulate!  

Implement safety measures: Install safety features like gates with self-closing mechanisms, and pool alarms to minimize the risk of accidents. 

All legitimate, and wise knowing the roughed-in mechanical locations for future phase 2 conversion.

The emphasis in the NFL is for teams to own their stadiums, but also to move to locations where they have more autonomy and room to grow.

Then move on to the roof, mechanicals, plumbing, electrical.

He is threatening us with a mechanics lien if we don't pay, or legal action.

If you could have 5% rate then absolutely rate is not an issue.Things that are known:1. we all know about tax rule and how to avoid paying tax by making smart moves.2. we know real estate has price inefficiency where it can be exploited.3. sometimes we as investors are having too much emphasis on market while tax-avoidance is a more key aspect to tackle.