In Connecticut it is more realistic to get 1.5% but looking for properties that need work and that are under market value would help you to get to that 2% rule. 

I had my list of subs back in my last location so I knew how they operated (only one ever asked for money up front, it was just a number, no receipt/invoice, none of the others ever asked for money to start) but being in a new location I love to see how other contractors work and their expectations.I have had Contractors shocked when I had the check in hand at the walk thru during completion.

@Bryan MitchellNo problem, I travel overseas for work and there is no internet on those long flights, so I had to come up with the solution.

In our experience, he stands out because he treated his work crew right day in and day out; they were all early to work, and worked pretty diligently, cleanly, and respectfully while on site; he himself stayed late on a couple of occasion to make sure the job would be finished on time.  

There is no short cut, unfortunately. 

Most of the guys who have posted here write for the BP blog, and I've not read any of their work and I'm sure vice versa (except Russell who is my best friend).

This is almost half and sounds like a bit much to me as well. if your not in a position to do your deals any where else I would ask if they could lower the amount they want as you are doing all the work and have bills, travel and so on. be careful how you word it to your boss because you could lose the job all together which maybe a blessing as it sounds like you are doing well.

If the buyer had to verify every product description then the whole eCommerce model won't work. And

Excellent work and great return.

This means you would need a detailed scope of work and would need to be able to accurately determine how far along they are with each task- percentage wise.