BUT, you are surprised that the bids are coming in so low you decide, hey, that's ridiculous, I'll just bid a little higher.What is the best way to handle this?

A $30k home needing repairs will be a challenge for an out of state investor.  

Even overseeing work while living in my home was a challenge at times.  

Asked landscaper to come back out to handle some of the Ivy in areas that I felt needed it removed from.

If I lost their money I don't know how I would handle it. 

He will leading most of the rehab but most of the cosmetics, I will handle.

I really want to get my license but my two kids (2 and 8mo) make getting out to evening classes challenging.

Just before posting my message, I had filled out a form to contact a real estate lawyer that handles landlord/tenant issues so I'll definitely sit down with them as soon as possible and add on specifically what you describe to see if that is legal and if it is advisable for the state of AZ.

I'm committed to trying Quickbooks Pro Desktop for Windows to handle the books for a 12-unit property I just closed on.

Miller, Haviland Ketter CPA's are the best... and can handle both MO and KS for taxes... professional and won't break the bank .