See about solar tiles (like Tesla or a competitor), rather than solar panels. 

It wasn’t terrible, but it was dirty and and weird stains on the wall and black stuff in the shower tiles. 

Same with appliances/tile/cabinets/etc. 

If he has a legitimate request for some extra upfront money (to purchase cabinets or tile) give him that amount, although any established GC should have enough in his bank to buy these materials.You definitely do not want him as an employee, as Matt says, now you are in a different arena and a very risky one for you....

Intend to update the kitchen with new countertops, cabinets and backsplash, as well as update the bathrooms with tile tubs around new tub, new sinks, and vanities next summer.

Hey Lucas, I would begin my search at one of the local suppliers like Sherwin Williams, or a Building Supply Yard.

High bids aren’t always dishonest, but they might include built-in markups or assume more labor than necessary, especially if the contractor plans to sub everything out.It also helps to build a materials budget spreadsheet based on what you typically buy and what it costs locally (from Home Depot, Lowe’s, or regional suppliers).

This will help you get a better idea of what tile, hardwood, carpet, plumbing fixtures and light fixtures costs for your rehabs.#4 Contact Local Contractors For PricingAs others have suggested pay a GC to walk through a few properties and provide budget pricing for typical repairs.#5 Build Out Your Database in a Spreadsheet Once you start to get a better understanding of Labor and Material costs you will want to store this data into a spreadsheet or software that you can use to help you streamline the estimating process.#6 Practice, Practice, PracticeWalk through distressed fixer-upper properties (or find properties virtually online) and practice creating detailed scopes of work, quantifying repairs and estimating rehab costs for the projects.This will help you get acquainted with common rehab repairs, rehab costs & estimating terminology.#7 Get Your First Rehab Project!

@Jemini Leckie here's our standard approach to address basement seepage in order:1) Check gutters are not leaking and are large enough to handle downpours2) Make sure downspout extensions are far enough away from foundation, 10' is usually recommened, but further may be required due to land countours.3) Grading needs to slope away from foundation4) Check driveway-foundation seam and caulk WELL5) If still an issue, will need to start getting bids from companies that install drain tiles & sump pump.

It's either under 1k or over 6k - there is concrete with chicken wire under the penny tile.