If you really want to learn about your local real estate market, here are areas where you can learn about it:- Local realtors- Local brokers- Contractors- Other real estate investors- Appraisal district website- MLS- Home builders- Sales counselors for home builders- City-data.com reviews on your city- Local loan officers- Banks- Insurance agents- School teachers- School principals - City planning departmentStart more toward the top ... work your way down.

If I have my contractor go estimate repairs, can she take his estimate to the courts and get the price lowered?

I know many contractors that do some pretty rough work but get huge jobs...... it has always puzzled me, i have no stress though, when its done, i can walk away knowing its done right.

All of the contractors that I know would never pull a permit for any job unless the city knew about the work or the customer wanted a permit.

Once we decide which contractor to use we will have him prepare an estimate for him and his subs, who will manage the construction.

I'm great at planning and analyzing rehab projects but not as good with dealing with contractors.

This being our first remodel, it took us a while to get some contractors on board.

Did you have a contractor give you a quote for what is needing to be done to this property?

Have a deal that is falling through a with an existing builder and looking for a rehabber or general contractor to provide estimates and take over the work.

My guess is the $70K rehab estimate was a retail contractor and way more than what an experienced rehabber could do.