Some contractors have insurance, some are 1 man band with no overhead, quality of work factors into cost, level of finishes.We created a calculator for our clients to use here in Chicago, specific to our renovation pricing, but even that is just a guess based on some assumptions.If you can find a quality general contractor, pay them like @Bruce Woodruff mentioned, and it will make your life so much easier...you may eat into some of your profits, but being able to rinse and repeat with someone you trust is priceless!

I am beginning by real estate journey with purchasing my first multi-family home to rent out to section 8. 

I have decided that I want to get into a Real Estate Investing. 

Or agents.. or attorneys (trust and estate attorneys would be the best ones to seek out).

You might want to explore Athens or Decatur, still within commuting distance to Huntsville government jobs, but real estate prices not so high. 

I am learning so much, and I am looking forward to investing in real estate. 

You could be making real money by investing wisely.Also, I wouldn't be sure that Cali will always appreciate at the rate that it typically has.

@Khayla WilliamsI strongly recommend against borrowing 100% for a propertyThere is significant risk in owning real estate including section 8 and maintaining the home in a certain condition and if you do t have the funds for those repairs you could lose it all.I always recommend people budget and save enough for a down payment and reserves before getting into their first property.

Keep in mind hotels have a lot more moving parts and greater liability exposure yet we as a company still did not implement what you shared.Where we as operators differed was in our the understanding of the actual risks associated with owning real estate and how to mitigate or protect against them.

He couldn't have done any real due diligence.