You may have friends/family out there who could help out at a discounted rate.

My friend was buying a mobile home on land contract. 

Perhaps your property manager friend has connections with contractors and can help oversee the work?

Don’t make buddies with them or face book friends !

My current goals for this year are to become very comfortable with performing comps in my area, getting pre-approved for a mortgage to find out my buying power with conventional lenders, connect w/ a investor friendly agent and wholesalers to align on my investment criteria and begin the search!  

I have borrowed from a number of friends and qualified relatives and they have always been quick and pleasant to work with.

Johnny Stacks Austin is cheaper than NYC but your friends 140k will not go very far there.

@Christian Pietrantonio A general rule of thumb is if you cannot find good deals in your own area, then try the areas/places you visit often (family or friends).

A couple of  friends of mine have airbnb's as well, and it worked out very well for them too.

I'm building my first duplex in my hometown and an old friend of mine offered to do the wiring for it.