You certainly want to ensure that both properties are adequately protected from physical damage (fire, lightning, water, wind, hail, theft, vandalism, etc.).

Beware of fines, egress routes in case of fire and other general headaches regarding quality of workmanship in the illegal apartment.Using my personal spreadsheet, with 20% down, a 3% rate and 2 apartments @ $2345 (assuming 2 bed/1 bath), looks like a negative cashflow of around $-200. 

You would only pay him when he has successfully completed a phase of the work satisfactorily, including inspections where applicable.Secondly, if you have a proper contract, it will be easy to just suspend the work, fire him ,and hire another Contactor.

Lessons learned?

But I had not considered your closing point that whatever I choose will be right for me - even if it means I learn a life lesson the hard way - that's just part of my journey!

Still working on it Lessons learned?

Still holding Lessons learned?

This is almost impossible for regular notes, excepting some types of non-performing paper, which has its own issues.I feel that, currently and continuing until things become predictable, that the safest way to do notes is to buy a property at fire sale pricing, raise the price to market or 10% above and create a seller financed note, which, after some seasoning, can currently be sold at a small discount. 

Make sure you are following one of the rules such as the 70% rule, or whatever percentage your market allows, and you will be fine leaving enough safety cushion.

So, to not extend myself more, I want to fire her but do not know any other RE agent in Miami, can someone from FL recommend me a professional so I can talk to and has my best interest at hand.