Well personally I think some of those articles are whacked...as my mother says: "consider the source" and with out knowing the objectives and perspective of the source it's just hard to tellDo I think Real Estate is a get rich quick business no I do not but is it very possible to build significant wealth absolutely and many on this site are testimonials to that.

It will go from looking like an old 'WOBBLY BOX' trailer to a quaint beach cottage and will mix in well with the 92024 zip code which BTW is one of the highest valued per capita zips in San Diego County.Sure it will cost me 175k plus 1k/mth to purchase, rebuild and sub lease this home but the good news is I can get about 2500/mth on it while it continues to appreciate due to is very desirable location of less than 300 feet from Beacons Beach; one of the best surf breaks on the planet.Like I said everything is relative.

We need 3 years of financials for the building, a renovation budget, and a sources/uses of funds summary.I would start off by getting a YTD P&L from the Seller.

But if your just assessing deals then it's quite difficult to get the true numbers from any online source, database, or even county records... 

I just want to find reliable sites and sources to point me in a good direction as I am still new to all of this.

Just saw a episode of Judge Judy.. similar situation.. and yes,, the insulation needs to come out. you could get additional quotes,  remove brush, trash from exterior, any tree limbs that touch building, get exterminator in to bait and trap. next will be holes thru the ceiling from the rats.. any holes or vantage points on roof they are gaining access from, by A/C unit or vents that are damaged.. they are getting in some how and food source is active enough to keep them. 

Milwaukee Hard Money or do a search for "Hard Money Wisconsin' here in BP and you will see other potential sources as well. 

Drywood are swarmers and can be treated at the source by foaming agents.

However something generic would be better for when I add a new list source. 

I get the info directly from the sources.