A couple of people created what they needed using a water meter with a pulse output and some small circuitry that somehow connects online.

@Melissa Odom private money has been awesome for me and helped me grow my portfolio tremendously.We used it to do BRRRR where we bought the property with private money, rehabbed it with that money too and refinanced as soon as we could to get them their money back.Our private money lender was happy because they made their return and didn't have any worries because we were an easy borrower.

First, I would see what I could do with the property to make money as others have suggested.

Can I just let them choose how they want to get the money into the account?

@Tonia EdgestonIf it’s non owner occupied you could get a hard money loan to pay back taxes and repairs but these are short term (typically 6-12 months) then you would need to refinance the propertyYou mention this is also in probate - depending also on other debts etc it all may be for not and you may need to sell to pay off other creditors.

Are you and your money basically replacing the construction loan? 

**This is my favorite** Buy the rental with seller financing, private money loan, or commercial loan in an LLC.

Approaching the end of my first BRRRR (rehab to be done in 2 weeks) and I'd like to reward my contractor with a cash bonus; I'm wondering what an appropriate amount of money is to give him.

If you want to deduct money for cleaning, hire a cleaning company (which I know you said you don't want to do). 

The idea that you can build wealth without putting any money into it is a recipe for disaster and the sales pitch of gurus trying to steal your money.