Unless you think your likely buyer will be a landlord.That said, for a 3-year turn, I would style anything you do as classic as possible.

Financially, it's a strong move for us to teach internationally as we make probably 2 to 3Xs what we would make in the US all things considered. 

I know he doesn’t teach it anymore which is disappointing.

If you don't know that, then you need to be working with a buyers broker who can teach you.

I would have hooked a chain up to that rickety piece of junk to my truck and drug it down the street with the idiots still in it before people would be setting up shop by my property like that I like your style.

What are some alternatives for free seminars that can teach me about real estate?

That being said, experience will teach you how to focus in on the properties that work in the area and the HML's that will work with you.

A typical 6 over 1 colonial style sash set runs in the $550-650 range plus install, which is an entirely different skill set than drop in vinyls.

Pensacola is significantly larger and older, Pensacola has a wider variety of construction styles and more multi family available.  

Builder should have: Proper license with state of michiganDone recent project of similar kind in terms of square footage, style, location and price rangeTime availability to manage the project full timeShown experience finishing on time line you are looking forRisk policyGood handle of cost and contractor crew to work withThere are few other items, you can learn and tweak.