For the back patio maybe just do a simple gravel patio or decomposed granite with a paver border.

Any tips on how you went about picking your GC?

I was thinking about picking up the 4 hour work week.

There is no simple answer other than being able to identify what is broken and the cost to repair it.Will you make money on every deal you do?

@Zack MattinBonus Tip: Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and call the alumni or ask people within your current network for introductions to people within your target firms.

IF they first consider that the call will result in a $50 fee to them, they will take the 2 seconds that most of these nuisance calls take to troubleshoot simple, and common issues.Now, when it comes to actually assessing the charge, @Nick Patel, you need to determine whether this is a nuisance or tenant negligent charge, or a legit repair. 

Back then the title was "Building Superintendent", although a more simple term might be Janitor. 

If it's not at the lien stage than title may not pick it up. 

If you can pick up a SFR cheap it could be a real winner.

Quick hypothetical in case that the last paragraph didn't make sense:Purchase property at 50kIt rents for $1000/moIt cash flows $300/moSell it for 75k because it's appreciatedNet a 25k profit(we wouldn't actually, with commissions, closings, taxes etc, but I'm keeping this simple)Now we can put 25% down on a 100k propertyIt will gross $2000/mo(2% rule)Now we net $600/mo cash flow.Our cash flow has doubled because of the snowballing!