I'm in the process of contacting my contractors and getting permits.

Make sure you take into account all of the perks that come with a job; Paychecks, benefits, health insurance, access to printers, office supplies, etc. 

Don't let contractors give you BS prices because you're a woman either!

I'm gonna start to fix it in a couple weeks and I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good contractor in the Philadelphia area.

@Julie Belton, the cap ex, repairs and insurance expenses seem too low to me.

First negotiate, selling price WILL be adjusted to account for getting code compliance on everything.Then you get the contractors bids for the workProceed only on the buyer's concurrence.

Looking for a reliable handyman type contractor in the Naples, FL area.

Hello BP,I am looking at a number of distressed properties to potentially purchase and rehab, and am wondering what is the accepted practice for getting bids on the property, as far as what point in the process do you get a contractor out to the site to provide a bid?  

Right after you close get an insurance policy that protects you if there is a loss. 

You can charge the person that is buying the option agreement th 3-5% option consideration fee, but the legal fees and other costs that are there to insure your protection, is out of your pocket, since it is your option to use those services.