In my case, it is still fairly expensive (gonna be about 2k a unit once all said and done) BUT will save me 500-600 bucks a month, and will add 80-90k in value that I will capture when I refi.

Spending $100-$200 is by far your best bet, it could save you a $100k mistake.

I would save up enough for a down payment plus reserves.

If so, then keep moving forward, if not then save more emergency, pay down some of the leverage to get yourself in a more comfortable position.

@Dee Bullock ya they say wholesaling is where to start, but so is just working a full time job saving up from that and still do real estate after you get off.

Most plug numbers into a program and if certain percentages, based on contractor prices, don't match  they pass on a good opportunity... if its your first house... do the work yourself .. make the mistakes , learn what ever repair/install/demo should costs..... then on your 2nd 3rd 4th you know the numbers and can hire half the work out, do the other half to save money and work towards writing checks and closing deals 

You can also pool funds together do that you don't completely deplete your savings and have some working capital available for your rental property.

I'm trying to  avoid dipping into emergency funds and savings, so some creativity in this business is definitely in order. 

I am using the county tax records to save money.

Hopefully the issue will resolve from there.