. - I am the acting GC (coordinating everything), doing some smaller projects/work that's usually difficult to have my main contractors do. 

it takes the same amount of work to do a 500K loan as it does a 50K loan. the loan balances are smaller so income is MUCH less, so the banks return on overhead and time is far less. it's a product banks provided to keep a big customer base, not a money maker.

When it feels too difficult, most times it is. 

We had the founder of Waukeshaw Development (they have developments in Petersburg, Bedford, Blackstone, etc) come speak to our class and he spoke specifically about Emporia and South Boston being difficult to invest in because of the demand and economy. 

This becomes more difficult to find if you have a lot of money to invest, but if you're starting out, you can pick and choose a little more and get the deal you want.Good Luck,Chris

I was thinking notes, but finding good notes in an area I'd be willing to foreclose in is difficult, I only know of PPR notes and FCI Exchange. 50k doesn't seem like enough to get into lending and I'm not an Accredited investor. 

You also don't "need" an accountant as the bookkeeping and as tax preparation for a single deal are not super difficult.

There is also Private Money Lenders that can currently make more off your deals than a Bank savings percentage on their balance.

Its a balance between having it look nice and be appealing but not have a long vacancy period

When we identify a problem (for example: a fire hazard in the electrical panel) we'll recommend a specialist (an electrician) to fully evaluate the problem and prescribe the most appropriate fix.Back to your specific question:  if the basement walls and ceilings are covered it will be difficult for anyone (including a structural engineer) to evaluate for structural issues.