My impression is that this contractor prefers to deal with people who are not knowledgeable enough to provide sufficient detail to get accurate and multiple bids.

Big difference, and neither one impresses me...especially the 9k.I don't see it stopping with how much you have "left in the deal". 

I get that it means essentially you are buying a property you do not have to fix up and that you can rent it right away, however, what if someone buys a house they are under the impression is turn key, because their realtor says it is, but then there ends up being about 5,000 in repairs to the house AFTER the walk through where it was suppose to have nothing to fix other than a water heater and some electrical stuff.

This guy was so impressed he ended up finding me down the street shortly after.

Josh and Brandon sure give a different impression about it.Guess I shouldn't blame the entire forum, I'm sure there are great people on here somewhere.

It is really a case by case type of thing because you never get a second chance to make a first impression on a perspective tenant. 

While 6% total has been standard over the decades, I was under the impression that 2.5% each was more common now.

To be honest, I'm a tad impressed that you're only into your home for 2.5K but can rent for just $200 negative cash flow.If renting this home will mean you will be able to acquire another property with a roommate situation, I would bet that your 'overall' cash flow will improve.

Also, last I checked, I was under the impression every state required hardwired battery backup smokes.

I'm under the impression that the notion you must get an LLC otherwise you will get personally sued and lose all your belongings is a bit of a wives tale, and Brandon has done some great talks about it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?