Well the bet I'm making here is that CapEx and repairs will be very low the first few years (honestly event he first decade), and once all the construction ends I will be able to increase my rent closer to market rent at $2k which will give me a better cushion.

I have been learning how the process works and there are a lot of resources for how to interview a sponsor and review the deal, but how do you initially access the deals to review?

Yelp is a good source because it lets you read reviews of actual customers.

I am strongly considering investing into private notes with Aloha Capital. Has anyone worked with them before?  If so, how was your experience.

Thank you,
Travis

Bought it as a safe bet thinking it would do roughly $35k annually in short term rents.

Here is my two cents: When hiring a contractor for substantial renovations, start by researching local licensed and insured contractors with solid reviews.

You can't meet with buyers or sellers to review contracts, answer questions, or even shake hands.Any intelligent buyer/seller will look for an agent with experience.

I have been able to review or been told of several audits (from other REI tax colleagues) related to cost segs in the last year or so- and of those none of DIY cost segs were allowed under audit. 

Also, I would check reviews and previous sales experience. 

Review Anchor Loans, they have closed many investors I've worked with.