The population and jobs have been growing by 2-3.5 % per year, and the cost of living is still below the national average.  

The contractor that used to do THEIR estimates and the one they recommend to my wife and I didn’t complete the job and the homes could not pass inspection.

Does a great job of explaining your question.

It’s usually not a big deal, as most lenders are generally competent and can get the job done.

The biggest questions they always asked were: What would happen if the base closed (this was during a time when there was a lot of talk about spending cuts in defense).

All our tenants have stable jobs.

@Don Carey I manage over 300 rentals and would love to take on a job like that, assuming you agree to compensate me for the time.If you purchasing the property through me, I would obviously perform all these tasks as your agent during the due diligence phase.If you were buying through someone else but asking me to manage them, I may still assist in an effort to prove myself and win your portfolio for property management.if you were asking me to assist but not using me for the purchase or the management then I would charge you a premium for my services, probably $100 an hour.Let me give you some free advice and say you should be careful when establishing a new relationship.

I have been chief cook and bottle washer while working an average 50hr work week at my regular job.

In my area they are turning down jobs left and right for better paying ones.

Unless they are giving you free money, their equity cut or interest they earn is going to cut into your profits.Neighborhood/city is a big part of it.