B) I don't have to give the contractor any money upfront for anything.3.

Let them know you are shopping and tell them to give you their best offer (all on the same day), and state you will go with whomever can save you the most money. 

With it being that risky, the least I could do is have some money saved up.

Neither of those pencil out.I think you'd be wise to save the money and find your own leads.

That's why STR/MTR brings in more money...they're also more work.

Avoiding errors and being educated on the laws can save time, money, and potential legal challenges.

Quote from @Tiffany Henning: I am in the same situation but ultimately will most likely go with Seth Williams because it is not necessarily a money-making funnel for him but more his heart to help. 

Lastly funding developer who has 3 subdivisions going in WA DC market. these are big time deals and with our funds for the soft costs  500 k to 1 mil on each project my client is going to make  sit down  but probably over 10 million net  life changing money and well we will do good too !!

That helps you recover some of the money so if things proceed to a lockout, you're not as bad off financially.

@Yooni Choi managing from out of state (OOS) with ZERO previous landlord experience - probably won't go well.You WILL make a lot of mistakes that will cost you money.