Especially if I want to close on a deal, I feel I dont have the time or ability to walk through a whole plan and pricing with a construction consultant to give me accurate numbers simply from an mls posting how does a beginner like me know:if the contractor is doing a good job?

The ceiling to housing prices is affordability, which ought to be common sense, but somehow people don't think that one through, and conclude markets have the ability to increase perpetually.When the crash happened, sure prices pretty much dropped across the board.

It gives you the ability to pick the best of the applicants because more applicants may qualify.  

My service was worthwhile - I earned an honorable discharge, some medals and letters of commendation, and the ability to access VA health care, which has been most valuable the times in my life that I didn't have any health insurance - but it didn't do anything towards my RE investing career. 

If you are willing to put down 25% than you don't necessary need to live there....Most people who want to "house-hack" like this will use an FHA loan to acquire 2-4 units because of the low down payment and ability to use the rental income.  

Why would you take a property off the market for 30-45 days if the buyer had no ability to buy it?

A good mentor is local, has lots of skin in the game, has a formal teaching background, and is genuinely interested in helping you.But all the mentoring in the world isn't going to instill in you the ability to keep going when the way is not clear, to keep developing and working on what you know, to help you turn you into an independent, autonomous learner, and that is a crucial part of this business.Most people want a sure-fire path to certain riches with as little uncertainty about it as possible.

When you do ask questions make sure they are specific so we can help you out to the best of our ability.  

That is contrary to the concept that we make available - which is to give investors the ability to direct their tax advantaged funds towards the assets of their choice with the maximum flexibility and the lowest cost.If you'd like to view it a "percentage of assets," it can be said that the range is from 0.02 to 0.0001.

I would leverage your time to the best of your ability to become more knowledge about real estate investing as well as meet other investors.