In the second month, it was brought to my attention (being CC'ed on a string of emails) that the new owner did not want to use the property manager anymore.

Also, the money saved from the guru courses can be put towards the purchase of a house.You mentioned an interest in three niches and I added guides below, as well as info on multifamily units.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/07/19/how-to-buy-a-duplex/ (guide to buying a duplex)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/16/how-to-choose-areas-multifamily-deals/ (Choosing multi-family deals) http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

After Sandy in 2012 destroyed a home my sister and I owned in New York, we gutted the entire thing down to studs and sub flooring, had it remediated for mold, insulated with closed cell spray foam, used environmentally sustainable building materials and rented it out for much more than what we were getting before the storm.

He said it all depends on the risk of location and the materials used to build. 

If you have the budget and can tolerate the expense while you sort out and determine an acceptable ROI from your online and offline efforts you may get past your dependency on bandit  signs and become part of a legitimate established marketing system.You might find some useful material by searching Dan Kennedy's site or others known for direct response marketing.

The biggest risk for contractor is most likely the cost of materials.  

The material costs were $11. 

I always put an acceptance date on my contract because if they want to string you along and that means they're not very motivated. it might be a great deal but if they string you along there were be other deals you might find out there other than that one. 

As the price of food and materials rise then there is less and less discretionary income to be spent on things like phones, cars, t.v.’s, cable, movies, restaurants, ect….

We do 10% of gross along with a $150.00 annual CHA fee, plus the labor & material it costs for the CHA inspection repairs.