I'm a licensed NJ RE Broker just getting back into real estate since 2008 when they started changing all the laws. 

It came down to two days after the home closed that the Licensed HVAC company was finally able to repair the unit.

@HAILEY ERSKINE Good for you, get the ducks in the row, start collecting 1) realtor, 2) real estate attorney, 3) cheap title search, 4) CPA, 5) Contractors (handymen, electricians, plumbers, roofers), 6) Insurance. 

LOL, I'm a retired General Contractor from San Francisco Bay Area.

There are a lot of variables (as ini everything), but it should only take a 2-5 years to earn it back after getting my pilot's license. 

At the end of the inspection the inspector pulled out a list of de-leading contractors and told us that he legally is not allowed to recommend contractors, but then proceeded to circle contractors on the list that he liked.

Since 3 bed/2baths are the most desirable among buyers, I have hired a contractor to turn the bonus space on the bottom level of my home to a 3rd bedroom (an option offered by the builder, but I didn't need it at the time).

@Lindsey ThomsponGet a few estimates from reputable contractors then decide based on the numbers.

I am looking at the possibility of taking it off the market (I am in a 3 month contract with realtor) and trying to sell the house on contract or Lease with Option, and securing a mortgage on the property to get my cash back.I paid cash for the house and renovations using a HELOC which I do have to make interest payments on during that time. 

The only way to know is to inspect it and get quotes from contractors.