Keep in mind if you go, for example fha with a repair escrow you have a timetable to fix the items (pretty sure 90 days) and they will come back and check on the repairs.

Cosmetic fixes on a house to sell isn't a 1 to 1 ratio item.

I go over the lease with the tenant prior to move in and have them sign each page, and make sure they understand this item.

Have your GC (or a few if you don't already have someone you want to work with) walk the property with you and itemize each piece of work and have him estimate it.

Quick answer is...When ever doing something with someone else… Outline clearly what each person’s responsibilities are… Most if not all problems that arise will come from disagreements or one party “not pulling their weight”…Also, make a giant to do list… then assign “who” and what “time frame” the items are to be completed.

Went and reat part of "Every Landlord's Tax Deduction Guide".It states than non-depreciable/non-inprovement items like utilities and travel should be filed in this year as special "Section 195" expense which is not to exceed 5000 (or it can be spread out between 5000-50000)

There are programs out there to make sure that you don't have to worry about vacancy clauses and any number of items that can come up as an investment property.

It is leaving storage items out throughout house for months, or leaving dirty dishes out.

If so, I would really like to rough it in now while I'm doing work, rather than have to retrofit it.Any other items to consider?

I'm starting my first flip tomorrow and am already having problems with contractors being organized enough to give me reasonable line item budget.Thanks in advance for any help!