Once you've worked with your contractor long enough and have seen his estimates play out  - you will have a better idea of how close he is to the mark - many contractors will low ball you just to get the job - then once he is knee deep in it - more expenses suddenly rear their ugly head ...this happens to all contractors - but the good ones will have accounted for the unknowns up front and should come in close to his bid unless something major has been discovered -  best of luck to you - let me know if I can connect you with anyone

Also marked out the dates on my calendar of key "need to do before" dates so I wouldn't forget.Called around to some of the suggested inspectors and asked for quotes and dates of availability as well as called up my mortgage company to let them know I will be needing them to start some paperwork.

Mark Gallagher,Thanks for the welcome.

Thanks @Mark Ainley

However, there are plenty of CPAs OR Attorneys on BiggerPockets that work with clients remotely.I'd recommend looking for someone with expertise in RE as a first priority, as location doesn't seem to matter much these days.The one that comes to the top of my mind is Mark Kohler.

Put the cover in place and mark on the wall with pencil where the left/right sides are.

Find the property, get the comps, negotiate the contract get the contract signed and then find an Investor who will buy the contract basically at a mark up of what you negotiate the price.

@Mark Sullivan I have vinyl in the front and back anyway so while fire is a concern its too late for me at this point...

Use the annual index as your rent increase bench mark each year.Piece of advice...if you are signing a lease now make it a M2M, they are not going anywhere and if they are good tenants they should have no problem with a M2M auto renew lease that either party can terminate with legal notification.

Mark Poulton thanks for the response.