I think I'm just trying to polish a turd and I don't think I'm ready to do a short term balloon; spring is around the corner and I'm not giving up my motorcycle :)  I'll keep doing research to see how to structure it in my favor and if it works, it works. 

The basement does have a little moisture on the concrete floor but not much.

If the sub has less than a days work I probably forego it, but anyone with any decent scope (hvac, plumber, electrical, roofer, siding, concrete) I have them provide me with coverage and get a copy for myself directly from their insurance -agent.

We are just doing the major work the homeowner will do the finish. 25 X 30' foot footing s/b pouring concrete Monday.

I’ve recently come across a $169K fixer upper house in an area with a median price of $250+K houses, seems it needs a complete remodel from a 2bd, 1br; to a 2bd, 2br with a new kitchen, maybe new tiling in the kitchen, polishing the entire wood floor, replacing a few window seam boards, etc.

The Bigger Pockets calculators are helpful for putting a polished analysis together to present to investors.

That little bitty piece of concrete is a problem?

Or put in some landscape rocks concreted into the ground.

I would say the first thing you should do is make some goals for yourself, like concrete numbers -> I want to have $X in X months doing at least X deals a month.

The last name Kaczmarek is the most common Polish last name, like "Smith" so I never know.