Keep in mind that many companies have salespersons to do their estimates (and @Nicole W. and @Russell Naylor) and may not ever step foot on the roof (if only for insurance reasons).Unless there is something pretty unique, estimating roof work is fairly simple.  

I too am fairly new to real estate investing and am super excited about the opportunities.

I have a few properties in that area so I am fairly familiar.  

You likely will want to be fairly close to at least one grocery store, and some what close to other amenities like restaurants, coffee shops etc.

Also something to remember is if you do not have a policy written down and you "Pick and Choose" in the eye of the tenant you could be sued for a Fair Housing / Discrimination Lawsuit.. always put it in writing and treat every prospect identical...

Most investors budget 8% for vacancy and 8% for maintenance which I think is fairly accurate to cover maintenance and rent ready cost associated with vacancy.

So it's been a few days since I've taken the time to invest in writing on the posts...so for those interested in the numbers on this deal, here goes:The list price was just under $600kMy first offer was accepted at $200kMy two partners and I each invested $20k to purchase the property (1st mortgage)We took a second mortgage of 5-years for the construction (rehab) loan totaling $250kCounty assessed the property at $750kThe fair market appraisal was $450kWe developed a 3-phase rehab of the property which included p-1 to replace parking, repair all roofs above spaces less than 6,000 sq. ft.

That's a fair question.

I a, also fairly new to the site but currently working on acquiring more rental units in Buffalo and the surrounding suburbs.  

Hello all,I am looking for a good custom cabinet shop/carpenter that can install custom/semi-custom cabinets (plywood,usa made) for a fair price in the Atlanta area.