Clearly I'm traumatized.The lesson I learned is its not MY money to be cheap with, its the property's money which should come from its repair reserves fund.Now instead of having 1 person do it all and stress me out, I go straight to the specialist for the task.

And more importantly is the quality for the price appropriate?

I personally only buy STR'S where I would want to go on vacation. 

Rehab in Pittsburgh PA: looking for a good source for decent quality cabinets already assembled, any insight on a vendor other than Lowe's or HD?

If you can't keep control of your personal finances, you are highly unlikely to succeed in real estate investing.

It can also handle inbound customer service calls & converses like a person rather than a robot.

Call all the auction companies in your area and get on their mailing listing (make a personal contract with auctioneer associates - let them know that you are a buyer)  they will email you a list of up-coming foreclosure auctions.Your benefit by getting to the owner early, is that you may be able to 1.take over the mortgage by making up the back payments 2. get a deed signed, 3. take over the existing mortgage 4. advise the owner how to delay or stop the mortgage foreclosure 5.

Whenever someone files for bankruptcy, there is an automatic stay of all legal proceedings against that person. 

Networking with industry experts can provide valuable insights and personalized services.

Both an IRA and 401k can leverage with a mortgage, so long as the mortgage is non-recourse - meaning no personal guarantee from you.