If you go the route of un-licensed contractors and short-cuts, and do a lot of rehab, then the inspectors will find out about you in a bad way.

Cutting out one more link out of the game of telephone was a very good thing.

They are respectful and will pay very well when bringing a property to them and not cut you out.

Maybe you're making 25K on the deal, it's the last 5K that's the concern.Anyway you cut it, you're 5K over.

For that type of information, this process would be valuable since data sets can be so large and you want to cut down into assets that matter rather quickly.

I totally agree with @Thomas Guertin If you let him feel like he can push you around this time, he will just keep doing it. better to cut your losses and start over with your new and improved lease than to have a miserable situation in your home.Good luck and keep us posted.

With multi's you can add value by managing the property and tenants better, cut expenses, increase income and find sellers not so emotionally attached to name a few advantages.   

HVAC would have gas and electric in place,furnace in place and ducts ready for inspection.Rough electrical, plumbing and HVAC - three separate inspections, though the same person may do more than one.Framing - Comes after the roughs because you may have to cut holes or move framing members to get the other stuff done.InsulationDrywall screw - not sure if this happens everywhere but its common here.Finals - done after everything is finished.IDK about San Antonio, but around here you would need a general contractors license to pull permits for a fix and flip.  

Why couldn't John just buy the house for $200,000 in the first place and cut Mary out altogether?

This has cut the gametime in half.There is a value to doing the paper statements until you are familiar with them, but then, go for the electronic version.Enjoy!