I took the "rejected" lock set when I hand-delivered previously purchased new security/lever-style locks (upgrade from the previous locks) to the contractor. 

Keep your ears open regarding badly run operations.

But it's important to understand all of the costs.As for the variable nature of the wholesale fee, it depends on how good of a deal you can lock up. 

If this is something you're considering engage a lawyer to help you lock it up with an option to purchase.

I’m still early in the learning curve, but I’m all ears when it comes to structuring smart deals and understanding how capital flows into them.Looking forward to connecting and learning from each other!

There are many mundane days where you can enjoy the peace & quiet while we've got our ear to the ground, then as a noteworthy event happens, or it is time to review statements, or there is a pending renewal, etc. we reach out and invite you to be a part of that conversation & strategize on solutions, as needed. 

But once that first mortgage is locked in, they honestly don’t care what comes next.

I’m all ears if you have any tips on what to prioritize as a newer investor trying to avoid the biggest mistakes early on.

If you use electronic locks, also have a back-up plan (lock box, hidden key, etc.), otherwise you might be troubleshooting technology in the middle of the night or while out of town.Unless you a very set up for pets, I would not allow them. 

But assuming Caleb is correct, I would say it all depends on the scale you are working at and what you are putting in your contract.I lock up deals by offering fair prices for houses.