I've read numerous other forums and I am pretty clear the contract should include language regarding W9, insurance (liability and workman's comp), SOW, draw schedule, independent contractor status, and lien waivers.

  I use a great local CPA that works with numerous local RE investors. 

I have also been involved in a few rehab/flip projects and numerous residential and commercial real estate transactions.

It is probably true, though, that appreciation - if there will be any in NA - is a very long-term play.Despite the lack of organic appreciation, North Adams does provide numerous opportunities for what @Brandon Turner (who lives & invests in a rural area very successfully, wink wink) likes to call "forced appreciation."

Is there an intangible element in the transaction that might be important to them that you can work with, but a regular MLS buyer probably won't? 

Add some animal elements, but don't go crazy with it (i.e., bears, deer. etc).

This platform has numerous resources, so definitely take advantage of all of it!

The following is not legal advice.Having read numerous horror stories here on BP about failed projects and lost money due to less-than-honorable contractors, I feel compelled to try to provide some guidance to those who are interested in avoiding some of the pitfalls.1.Either learn the contractor licensing laws and mechanics’ lien laws of the state in which your project is located, and how to protect yourself, or retain and be willing to pay an attorney who is knowledgeable about construction laws in that state.

If it has, what would offset that element of gain?

My office is in Grand Rapids, but i've been locking up numerous properties for my investor clients in Kalamazoo over the last six months.