Best of luck to you.I think @Dominic M. did an amazing job, much better than me, on your post explaining how he would want to see a deal like the one you described.  

Start by scheduling a walk-through to assess the property and confirm renovation needs.

@Brittany MyrickIf I were getting started in real estate investing in New England, I’d focus on researching local market trends, especially job growth, rental demand, and the broader economic outlook.

Make sure the estimates are very detailed (scope, SF, $/sf, schedule, etc) to ensure that there is a clear dilation between contract work and change orders.

That can be tough when it's a one-off job or you only have one rental.

Great job for taking the leap.

Hi Benjamin, I’m in japan and doing real estate investing here for about 8 years in different styles besides my full time job.

Also -without an in service rental, you have no schedule on your tax return on which to deduct those expenses. 

Is it wrong they tell the investors if asked to say they are "partners", or "contractors" just bidding the job? 

So they work a full time job and go to school full time.