We are partly done with the renovation, and our contractor can't continue working.

If I do go with a semi-fixer-upper, are there any recommended contractors for estimating upgrade costs?

Here is my dilemma -  Most of the multifamily listing I see on Zillow/Trulia are older properties in-general which are mostly not Net-Zero houses (The net result is a zero or near zero electricity bill), so I am wondering is it better to build a multifamily property which can be a Net -Zero or purchase and renovate an older property?

That's crazy high lot rent, does that include electricity?

The damage done to roof with mounting and other insurance issues usually outweighs any positives.Sounds like they have a company exec or hired contractor to call on possible sites and see who they can get cheap rent from. 

The icing on the cake is that it was our current contractor that asked this question. 

We contacted a few contractors and had an engineering company have a look before we backed out on the deal.

Realtors, Title Companies, Lenders, Contractors, PM's, or whatever else. 

The minute I put a REAL (not wholetail) DEAL under contract I would reach out to each of them with a PDF presenting the property, the comparable sales within 0.25mi, pictures, and a full rehab estimate from my contractor.

Like yourself my wife and I started investing after I finished with My electrical eng Grad school and she finished with her medical school.