Material participation in the rental activities still required. 

What adds complexity to our plan, is that we live in Minnesota... ...How challenging is it to meet the material participation hours needed to achieve active status?..

Hello BP Team…We have a contractor that left after the 2nd Draw and stole materials.

Does anyone have any good studying material for this exam or have any insight on what I should focus on?

You can cover the wire mesh with drywall patches (they tape on wall and across the wire, white/paintable, different sizes) as the wire mesh is what will prevent the rats from eating their way into the property (the covering material is cosmetic only).

Customer supplies materials ?  

Had quotes for $20,000 not including materials. 

Type of construction materials for the build(block/metal frame/wood frame), separate utilities, finishes, tech, cleaning crews, any tips and tricks would be HUGE! 

I just bought it in the fall and am trying to complete a bunch of modifications during off-season (e.g. metal roof, certain safety features, treating the deck, possibly updating the fire pit area, etc). 

As others have stated, your fit & finish goals should be guided by whether you plan to:1) Rent: tenants don't always take care of a property, so you want to use lower-grade materials and workmanship.2) Flip: higher quality on workmanship and materials is usually required.Regardless, you always want to "Maintain to the Neighborhood".