If the properties are cash flowing then you are blowing that money elsewhere and if you do not change your habits you will be back in the same spot.

Market analysis is where I spend the most time. 

You could always sue the contractor, but without an insurance carrier picking up coverage you are throwing good money after bad. 

My loan person said we might be able to do a escrow withholding where they keep the money for repairs until after closing. 

Meaning if someone gives you $500k and you only are using $100k, you are still going to be paying some fees on the $400k because the lender needs to keep that cash on the sidelines.You are better off getting either DSCR loans for each or hard money at 12 months and interest only with extensions but realize that money will not be cheap. 

@Viral Mehta we understand that you want to save money, but investors are often penny-wise and dollar-foolish!

Another route you can take is using hard/private money on a cosmetic flip using the BRRRR strategy.

You have to spend time on the ground.

After spending much time & energy becoming more financially literate and learning the basics of REI, we are interested in pursuing our 1st rental property deal in the DFW market!

Use that money your saving towards deals.