That said, the projection still looks sustainable as foreign cash investors continue to value this area; add to that new investors from northern states with high tax burdens, and this continues to be a great real estate market. 

- It's only good for food haha).The quotes came back as such: $5500, $6400 and $7800 for a new 3 ton unit and installation..I was appalled as these prices didn't sit right with me so I decided to take matters into my own hands and do some on the ground research since I just so happened to be in Houston that weekend.They say your network is equal to your net-worth so I immediately reached out to my network of investors and got the contact of a formidable handy man in the area.We were able to cut out the multiple middlemen and go straight to the wholesale distributor (cutting off all middle men would mean going straight to the manufacturer but it's not possible to buy one off units from them).I paid $1000 for a brand new 3 ton unit and was charged $500 for the labor of the handyman...Needless to say, I'll be working with this handyman for future projects and repairs..Total cost - $1500 and 2 hours of my timeTotal savings - ~$6000Because of my spidey sense and network, I was able to save a ton of money, form a new relationship in the process, acquire a connect with the wholesale distributor and write this article..

What your are describing sounds like a project.  

Hi all,I started a thread of a new project I'm working on.. and then realized I posted it in the wrong forum. 

I'm 30, single, no kids, and currently working as an Estimator / Project Manager for a commercial site construction company for the past 10 years.

I have a relative who acted as her own project manager to fix up their personal residence in that same neighborhood.

You typically will need to come to the table with 25% of the projects costs and can borrow the other 75% from a hard money lender. 

Can I work backwards from a projected rent?

@Skyler HarrisAnother professional engineer here in the mix, although admittedly I haven't practiced pure structural (picked up a few projects and clients over the last 2 years). 

If he funds the purchase and repairs, I will do all the work (meaning some demo, finding/scheduling/managing contractors & projects, etc) we will spit the proceeds.