And go: Expect it to take twice as long, and cost twice as much as you presume.Don't pay your contractors in full up front.Get your electrician and plumber in there on day two (after demo).  

Monitor your score and if you've got credit cards/student loans/etc. pay things on time.A few months in advance speak with lenders about pre-approval.Also, if possible, whether through an investor who buys often or through a contractor or RE inspector, do some property walkthroughs and you'll quickly learn what to look out for repair-wise when viewing a property.

It's not like a contractor's license where you need years in the trade first before getting one.

Does anyone have a contractor to recommend that specifically does this restoration work?

I paid a home inspector close to a grand that a contractor who looked at the job and priced it could have done for free.

If you already have a place there, wait it out, drop your price, or sell on land contract or something similar.

Aloha all,We are looking for references for contractors to build a covered lanai on a unit on the windward side of Oahu.  

Or do I need to start getting contractor to come out and start looking at it to get bids?

Was the $100-115k renovation your estimate or from a contractor walk through? 

I am a contractor by day :) and don't foresee any upfront repairs atm aside from a couple of touch up items.