That sounds like an easy choice - you could always try to sue the contractor and/or whomever you bought the house from in small claims court later if you're intent on getting the $500 back. 

What I like about this is that I also use Cozy for rent collection so it is easy to transition your tenants to this payment service if that is your preference.I will say this, I also check the local civil database for any open cases.  

Hi guysI'm new to real estate investing and I was considering applying the 50% rule to my deal analysis prior to asking my real estate agents for actuals.I'm assuming this will help build credibility with them and allow for more concrete inquiries rather than constantly asking them for information on deals that may never get done.What are you guys thoughts?

Tax rules are different as well - so understand the market you'll be doing the flips in.

 How easy is it to use your current website and CRM software?

One side has tenants who have been there for years, the other side will be very easy to rent. 

PROs:Adds a level of professionalismAccess to MLSNetworking with other agentsAccess to resources of TREC, TAR, NAR, SABOR, & other groupsListing your owner propertiesAbility to earn commissions (or given them up in order to get a deal)Ongoing education that keeps you at the forefront of the market, legal issues, & trendsCONs:More liability (assume professional liability)Some people just don't like RE agentsRealtor - often considered the last bastion of hope for people who have failed to launch a  successful career in anything else.Dues, Fees, Insurance, Expenses in GeneralSubject to rules and laws that don't apply to non-realtorsHaving to work with TREC (they are just very slow and cumbersome to work with)For me, I find it worth it to be a professional in my field.  

It's possible that the configuration of the lots makes it difficult or undesirable to build what the HOA requires on those lots -- or is difficult to adhere to HOA covenants while still adhering to zoning rules. 

I have seen septic replacements costs 40k easy! 

Create a subsidiary LLC in which the S-Corp takes a partnership stake in, transfer the asset into the LLC (not a taxable sale since the LLC is a subsidiary), and the avoid the disguised sale rules by not transferring the asset out of the LLC and into your personal name (assuming you also have a personal stake in the sub LLC) for a period of 7 years.