Are their flipper secrets to getting materials at a lower cost?

Lumber sky rocketing  other materials you could not get like garage doors or refer's etc etc.

Here's the language I use:Consent to Contact References and Perform Credit CheckI authorize [Type Agent Name Here] (“Agent”) to obtain, and to share with [Type Landlord Name Here] (“Landlord”), information about me from my credit sources, current and previous landlords, employers, and personal references, to enable Landlord and Agent to evaluate my rental application.I give permission for the Landlord or its Agent to obtain a consumer report about me for the purpose of this application, to ensure that I continue to meet the terms of the tenancy, for the collection and recovery of any financial obligations relating to my tenancy, or for any other permissible purpose.I authorize Agent to share my completed rental application (along with any supporting materials) with the Landlord.Applicant signature: _________________________________Printed name: ______________________________________Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________Phone Number: _____________________________________Date: ______________________________________________

Caribbean islands are notably more difficult to operate short term rentals because of the lack of resources (materials and labor). 

Now, not so much unless you are buying at deep discount and are getting materials and labor much cheaper than normal.

I'm sure if varies, but I just want a range to help decide what to do.Land is in Pilsen.You are correct the price can definitely range quite a bit depending on the size, finishes, rough materials, location, etc. 

New buyers will just tear out everything you did and re-do with their own colors/materials...I saw it all the time.Save your money.

.- Landlord costs skyrocketing:      - Insurance: +30% (thanks, climate change)     - Utilities: +30%     - Property taxes, materials, maintenance all up     - Even lawn care and cleaning services cost moreThe article argues these costs are being passed to tenants, not just padding profits.

I was thinking it may be closer to a "wash" or, maybe only slightly more only bc w/ a duplex at least we aren't paying for two exterior wall materials for two sfh?

Under the IRS rules, a person  qualifies as a real estate professional if: (1) more than one-half of the personal services the taxpayer performs in trades or businesses during the tax year are in real property trades or businesses in which the taxpayer materially participates, AND.....(2) hours spent providing personal services in real property trades or businesses in which the taxpayer materially participates total more than 750 during the tax year.Like @Greg Scott and @Russell Brazil mentioned above, I don't believe that you would qualify as a REPS, but if you are going to try it, make sure you document it very well (i.e. with some kind of proof, like time cards, mileage forms, and/or receipts, etc.) so that just in case you do get audited, you at least have something to provide to the IRS agent.