Now often times new agents are hungry and will do a great job searching for a good property, but be sure they know your criteria and be prepared to help correct their searching to allow them to better serve you. 

That's their job...not yours.Now, if you had that extra $36k to invest in a different property, maybe one just like this one, you would be much further ahead.

At the end of the day this is your job and you need to look out for it, not the contractor.The second thing is to have a face to face schedule meeting with the current contractor.

I have a full time job and am looking at investing in property really soon.

Hi James,I came to Texas with a job relocation. 

The new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is very building owner friendly and there are big tax savings opportunities available. 

And of course your area may be different in terms of cost and also some jobs don't require a full cosmetic renovation, but most of mine have.Then of course check the big ticket items like HVAC, roof, exterior siding/masonry repair, windows, interior sheetrock replacement, foundation and water heater and know approximately what it will cost to fix/replace each if warranted.  

I don't usually give out recs because, quite frankly, I rarely meet people in the real estate/mortgage industry who are actually good at their jobs. 

I have a day job and not planning on being a full time RE agent...

I work in Dayton, OH and am having a hard time finding a finish carpenter that is sober, has their own tools and transportation, insurance and shows up and gets the job done.