I’ll be spending $8,000 on the project with materials and labor.

Once you figure some of these questions out you will have better direction and build your power team out for success.Let me know if you have any questions.Regards,Joe Scorese

Although landlord labor may not be seen as a legitimate deduction, the cost of materials you needed to restore those items back to pre-move in condition may be (for example, replacement of a broken glider on a drawer or replacing broken blind slats not due to age but over handling).  

That's a lot of free labor.

Then it's just the cost of the fill dirt and labor.  

@Joe Facenda Thanks for responding.  

I was majoring in Molecular Genetics and Medical Technology and have recently come to the realization that I don't want to work in a lab or office as my career. 

The first is Asa Bleier (Broad River Builders) I hired Asa Bleier (Broad River builders) for two small rehab projects based on a recommendation from a friend, and agreed on a labor rate for his work as a general contractor.

It will be labor intensive and no way to tell until you physically see it.  

Because your partner is doing much of the labor, you may be underestimating the cost of labor.