Slow and steady. 

@Kahntineta Ford  If by oversaturated you mean excess supply, then no, I do not believe so. 

From finance, to manufacturing, to transport, Jacksonville has an energetic and expanded economy, making its real estate investment more steady than some of Florida's greater vacationer markets.#3 Orlando, Florida Known as the "Theme Park Capitol of the World", Orlando metro city is home to the biggest amusement park, Walt Disney World.

Although I would advise against that if you can keep your spend more steady so you don't loose mind share amongst your customers and partners.In general I prefer to hire most jobs based on value and not take on W-2 overhead. 

Post licensing/continuing education costs, marketing/supplies costs, suprakey subscription (or whatever equivalent your association uses), etc. etc.

I am supplying ALL the materials but he has given me a proposal to do the work @ $2700.00The materials are estimated at around $1500 give or take.Take a look at the catwalk (it's fairly large_105 ft by 5ft wide)Let me know your initial thoughts on the job/price.

If it were me, I would do the following:- Remove the fake soffit above the cabinets - Free- Get new 36" Cabinets from Partners Home Supply (includes island and crown moulding) $2,000- New Countertops Granite Includes Undermount Sink - $1,200- New Appliances - $1,750- Tile Backsplash - $250- Tile Floors (In Kitchen) - $300- New lighting - $150- New faucet for sink - $75Total For Kitchen = $5,750As for the bathroom - New tub or shower pan - $350- Tile the walls - $270- Vanity Cab from Partners Home Supply to match kitchen - $110- Granite Top for Vanity - $150- New faucets and shower head w/ diverter and tub spout - $150- New tile floors - $100- New toilet - $150Total Bath = $1,130Total Renovation = 6,880** If you're not capable of doing this work on your own, most of it is quite easy.

Your former profession should be a supply of all the private money you will need.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereCheck out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

Are they more up for being a private lender and just earning a steady return?

I am about to close on a flip property and I am trying to get all of the supplies in order before closing.