So we are "newbies" to say the least.  

The seller originally agreed to fix the sewer and provide the tuckpointing as a credit.

Yes like Min said, its great to have a plan but I would say the action is much more important - I did a few bad deals and learned so much more than I would have if I was just sitting on the sideline planning things. 

Apartments in Connecticut have a 95.6% occupancy rate and stay on the market for just 37 days—making it one of the most competitive rental markets around!

Your architect can create this for you.For hot water heaters, is there a lock on the door to that room?

If you're not present to let them in (or have the space occupied for whatever reason, etc.), they should be notifying you and you may have to face any repercussions (penalties, pauses on your permits, etc.) 

There was a post the other day someone posted about and invested in and the sponsor had a very shady past which should have been an immediate red flag. 

Thinking of trying to market to a handful of homeowners that would like us to manage the STR for a % of revenue.

Optimally, the lawyer or the firm should be familiar with public infrastructure that developers are typically asked to pay for, such as road widening, turning lanes, new roads, sanitary sewer extensions, new water and electric extensions, fire hydrants, etc.

I've been searching properties for a variety of ideas for almost two years now and never pulled the trigger.