@Jason Xue - You could probably get it done for $20-30/ hr for a licensed/insured carpenter if you provid materials. 

Collectively it was $900 total, or so with material and labor.

Speak with the counter person about prices of materials, and ballpark for labor rates.

couple thingsYou need to learn stuff about the career you want....if you need the structure of school to force yourself to do the work then goIf you like learning on your own and your disciplined in your approach its not necessary.Either way you need to learn the material....you pick your poisonThink of a degree as a ticket to a destination( usually a specific job)....dont buy the ticket if you dont want the destination

Can someone tell me which are these exit strategies and where I can find a book or materials about them?

I am about to buy my first multi family and the roof needs to be redone. I am wondering if it would be a good idea to just go with a tin roof. A lot of the other duplexes and triplexes in the area have shingles and a ...

Occasionally we spot-sand.We source hardwood as close the the woods as possible and usually manage to pay under $3/SF for the raw material plus staples and other supplies. 

At the bottom area of steps you will need to add some kind of floor drain, so the excavation will end up much lower that finished grade, and soil build up will have to be matching to what material you are putting back down.

So finding a contractor has been very difficult a family friend who is a contractor is willing to partner up with me where I can do the leg work on locations the deals and putting the money up and he can do all the work for raw material cost but get apart of the deal which I am open to.

You can also look at line of credit at home depot etc to help with materials then once work is complete pay it off with the HML funds disbursed to you.However some lenders want to see liquid cash reserves prior to closing so you still probably need some cash.Do you own a primary residence?