The local rules and regulations for building in our area is what is keeping the volume of building low.

Pompano is trying to put a lot of money in the area by renovating local parks and community centers, but the gentrification of the area is still in the beginning stages.

We highly recommend though, having a local expert that you can run addresses by, to confirm the target property in on a good block before signing a purchase contract.

Labor, materials, insurance, interest, local property taxes - yes.

If not you, where could I get this type of mentoring and learning in my local area?

I’m a local STR Property Manager in the Mariposa/Oakhurst Community.

It looks like they are offering a lease as well but I would highly recommend paying a local real estate attorney for a lease.

I'd appreciate some insight from some local investors.

In the future, a) get a super detailed Scope Of Work and ironclad Contract. b) Do not pay more money as a progress payment than the amount of work that has been performed, that way you are never ahead of the Contr or vice versa.Your options (depending on how much he owes you) are Small Claims Court, the State Registrar of Contrs, and possibly the local DAs office or State AG if the amount is higher ($50k ish)Good luck, let us know what happens.

You may want to consider a local bank for more attractive terms.