Never flipped before.If you take out a HD loan and say your construction estimate comes in at $100k.Eventually the actual estimated construction costs only cost you $90k.When you take a draw does the bank give you money based on receipts/invoices?

Has anyone actually done this and lay out the cost / benefit?

It might be interesting if you actually invested MORE money into it and make significant improvements.

for $40 it only gives a "rating" and no specifics.is there a service of reasonable cost that actually give me a credit report and details on results of background checks?

The rentals will sit on the market for longer than expected and capturing the actual rent you want is harder than it used to be...

Your PMC is recommending the path of least resistance, because mold claims could be VERY expensive.Also, many insurance companies will NOT cover mold issues.So, call your insurance agent and see if this will be covered or not.At the same time, direct your PMC to get a professional mold test done to determine if there actually is a problem or the tenant is mistaken or exaggerating. 

She actually saved me from messing up big time.

The median household income in that zip code is $60KThat house will never rent for more than 3K on a good day.Sometimes its better to look away from estimators and look at what is actually happening.Sorry to burst your bubble, could still be a good deal.

@Brian Malavsky We actually have an attorney drafted lease that states the following "If the Landlord maintains the Deposit in an interest-bearing bank account, Resident consents to Landlord retaining the interest, except as required by law."

They are specialty trust companies and banks that make this service the core of their offering.