Or do you just need to plan the project out in a way that allows you to easily manage the other trades guys that you need to hire?

Think E*Trade or Fidelity with different paperwork.

I myself am the agent, I do not use a GC but rather subcontractors I have built relationships with over time, I like this strategy better to be able to hold each trade responsible for their aspect of the job rather than putting it in the hands of a GC also allows us to save $$$

Any tricks of the trade for getting money to cover your 20% down payments?

I’ve grown up in the construction industry and am a Civil Engineer by trade.

I have friends in almost all the specialty trades for when you need a contractor. 

@Khalid BryanI am more than willing to trade money in for the time of driving for dollars or door knockingWish I had a solid agent on the team.

Or trade manual labor for some education?

I have a background in Trades and money saved up, so looking forward to starting in REI.

When subs don't show, can you find the backups quickly and then in turn schedule all other trades around the change?