I have a burning desire to be successful in this business. 

Keep the fire burning. 

I totally agree that I will burn contractors out if I don't give them work but ask for quotes and I really try not to do.

We have been down this road with a friend and was burned.

He keeps saying he has a lawyer working on it and that if he ever has to leave he will burn it first (i don't care since i can get insurance on it)...I already know that this will be a big headache and will require $ to get him out legally which is ok with me.However squatters in Philadelphia have rights and he may be allowed to live there for 6months to a year for free but im mostly scared of him coming after me personally as i'm renovating another house 2 blocks away from me.Should I keep pursuing this deal (if i don't, someone else will) or not worth the headache?

I've burned the ships and am not changing my mind, I'm committed, I'm going to be involved with real estate in some form or another, so what do you recommend I could be doing RIGHT NOW? 

Sorry, fat fingers!

I'll be calling the city's planning department today to make sure that I will be able to get a variance to rebuild on the lot if the property burns down (I believe that building on a half lot is a nonconforming).Thanks, David.

This is now going to burn another investor's time and money.

Ideally this person would also be able to assist in managing the project itself" Sounds to me that what you are looking for is an active partner "contractor" that will do all the thinking and work wile you collect the big fat checks at the Caribbean sipping on fruity drinks.