The house currently has panels that have swelled from water absorption and some trim work that needs help.Does anyone have a recommendation for a proficient team that won't break the bank?

I could self fund over the next 12 months, but would bleed my cash flow.  

If it was my project, I would try to focus on getting people into a few finished units ASAP just to cut down the bleeding of 16 empty units.The 1/3" plywood is probably a good suggestion and is probably the correct way to solve the problem.Fixall and a belt sander will probably also do the trick to solve the problem for a little cheaper but a bit more labor.Alternatively, some carpet with thick pad for now could also be a reasonable solution.

Despite my bleeding heart, I also run my business as a business, and approach my business as you do, providing a good product at a fair price.I know what I have written in this thread will lead some to believe I am a push-over and just need to become callous and more "business like".

Also, some painters put it on thicker than others, and there goes that 350sqft down to 275.if your bleeding out your equipment, scrounging every last drop, 400 sqft it is.

And now he bleeds you dry on payroll hours.Employees will bleed you dry if you aren't smart enough to keep them on track and and efficient.Most of the worst guys out there i have hired have "been doing this 30 years...."

. - If you speculate and just go for upside, your property can and will bleed you and force you to continually commit capital to it. - 90% of single-family rentals are owned by people just like you - with 10 or fewer properties.

You are giving them the opportunity to bleed you to death. 

I also know the relationships I make as a realtor will bleed into the investment business and vice versa.

I have had a water leak swell joints, not tenants fault.