I usually will say who referred me to them and say that they are a friend, neighbor, family, etc and will then ask what their lead times usually are for work to be completed, how they communicate, are they comfortable working with me being out of state, how do they collect payment (terms and preferred method) and do they offer a business rate?

I visited a few properties out there last weekend, and I'm thinking of putting an offer in on one of them but I'm not sure if I should.

I live in the house for one year either for free or with reduced living expenses.

Scale comes down to just a few items which I can tell you for free right here.1. 

Feel free to reach out.

I suppose it would depend on the building code if that was offered or not, or had to be hard wired in.

I think you are closer to a decent offer than @Joe Villeneuve.  

We’ve done our research and there are no other short term rentals that offer an on-site gym or exercise room.

I’m thinking about putting in an offer on a duplex.  

Hello,I'm an investor based in Seattle seeking opportunities in markets that offer positive cash flow.