Originally posted by @Joe B.

I just installed a pump (not a battery backup pump) just a replacement sump pump for $600 parts and labor (and he did a few other minor plumbing things while there) PM me if you want the guys info.

@Joe You misunderstood me.

You will have to honor the $1150 but you don't have to accept a labor swap for cash, especially since you don't own one of the properties.

I know a few who do it as they are small owner/operator guys who hate the sales and marketing process and so are willing to work for the rates HD pays, or they are the owner of a company utilizing very low cost labor and working on volume. 

Essentially if one takes title and the other provides the labor and rehab funds.

If they need money up from just to show up and demo (which is mostly just labor costs) then they aren't a legitimate contractor. 

My realtor told me the renovated side can be rented for $1300, however, the comps show lower.I understand this is a higher middle class neighborhood, but since this is my first time buying in this neighborhood and it's my most expensive rental property in Indy so far, I'd appreciate if you can provide some honest opinion whether it's a good investment.I have another concern: the seller replaced the roof this year, but there is only one-year non-transferable warranty on labor, my realtor's explanation is since the roof was installed by sub contractors of the property management company, that's how they offer warranty.  

That leaves flipping (and/or working part or full time as a RE agent) to build up experience and capital, or buying cosmetic fixers at retail and making up for it with sweat equity (zero labor costs) and patience, or trying to work a development project via FHA 203k (or its 20% equivalent rehab loan) if you can get such a deal under contract with a skilled mortgage broker to close it, or waiting until your eminent real estate downturn materializes and risking being wrong.

Since the panels and the inverter are only about $1.35 a watt the rest is mounting hardware, wiring, and labor.