@Brian SparrVery helpful, leveraging my money as much possible initially seems to the better bet for me.

I hear the owner of the building screaming and swearing at his workers every day and I will bet that by the time the city is done with him and by the time he goes through 5 or 6 plumbing companies this project will not be completed until a total of 3 years. 

If you're a solid bet and providing value dont waste your time trying to convince someone your worth it.

Detroit 40K, where to put my bet?

Otherwise perhaps looking into real estate backed funds/syndicates or mortgage notes would be a safer bet by allowing you to leverage the experience of professionals.

Your best bet is to get 3 quotes and to also let the contractors know your are getting quotes to ensure a good price. 

That's if you've done the research and know your market and part of REI are getting into house hack,buy and hold,fix and flip,Rental etc.... not saying you dont know what those terms mean but if you dont option C would be your best bet goodluck either way

I bet you could get some cheap options in Clermont County... 

Your best bet would be a larger EMD with the contract, to show that you are serious.

Additionally, most lenders require a certain percent of the down payment to be from your own funds, which this would not beHis best bet is to offer with it being contingent on the sale of his existing place and close the same day