Most times the answer comes to the surface.  

They know what they are doing.The second picture we are using a powered trowel to smooth the surface. 

This might sound silly, but an old fashioned spreadsheet if you only have a deal or two.

Check on zoning even though you're in Texas, Road axis, storm retention pond, fire hydrants, bathroom requirements, internal road surface requirements if any, utility access, these are the major deal killers.9.

I'll add that you'll need to search more for hidden opportunities below the surface of markets you're looking in.

If there are any penalties to using your HELOC in that fashion, you would need to check with your lender. 

Next set of bad deals whether fraud, poor investor deals  or poor valuation projections will surface.  

This is because the top surface layer is actually quite stiff, while the top layer of traditional sheet vinyl for instance is very soft.The upside is it is really soft and cushiony (lol that's not a word is it?)

The opportunity: Tighten operations around three levers—Cost, Time, and Revenue—while de-risking each flip with disciplined underwriting and execution.1) Cost: Tame Labor & Materials Without Gutting QualityValue-engineer the scopePrioritize visible ROI items: paint, flooring, lighting, curb appeal, kitchens/baths (surface updates > layout changes).Replace, don’t relocate: keep plumbing and electrical in place when possible.Use finish tiers (Economy / Mid / Premium) per neighborhood comp set; avoid over-improvement.Lock pricing earlyGet three-bid packages per trade with identical scopes, photos, and SKUs.Negotiate 30–60 day price locks on materials; ask for bulk-buy or “contractor pack” discounts.Use allowances (e.g., $2.50/sf flooring) with pre-approved SKU lists to control change orders.Build a dependable labor benchMaintain a preferred-vendor roster (primary + backup) for each trade.Offer fast pay terms (e.g., net-7 on verified milestones) in exchange for pricing and priority.Test small jobs first; promote trades to your A-list only after on-time, on-budget performance twice.Standardize to reduce wasteCreate repeatable finish schedules (same trim profile, faucet line, paint palette) so crews work faster and leftovers are reusable.Pre-kit jobs: one delivery per room (box includes all hardware, fixtures, and consumables).Contracting disciplineUse fixed-scope, milestone-based contracts with:Progress draws tied to inspections/photosNo deposit or minimal mobilizationLien waivers at each drawDaily liquidated damages for missed deadlines (after grace period)Written change order policy with price + time impact before work proceeds2) Time: Move Faster to Reduce Carry and RiskFront-load planningWalk the property with all key trades before closing; finalize scope, bids, and schedule ahead of day 1.Pull permits early; choose scopes that avoid structural or major MEP reroutes when timelines matter.Sequencing & overlapSchedule parallel workstreams (e.g., exterior/landscaping while interior demo proceeds).Use a Gantt chart (even a simple spreadsheet) to track trade start/finish, dependencies, and buffers.Daily control15-minute stand-up with GC or project lead each morning (photos + punch list).Two inspections/week: one quality, one progress vs. schedule.Keep critical spares on hand (breakers, valves, GFCIs, common trim, extra boxes of flooring).Tech + templatesSimple tools (Google Drive + shared photo folders, or apps like Buildertrend/Jobber) for scope sheets, punch lists, and photo proof.Use QR codes in rooms linking to the finish schedule for fewer “what goes here?”

It does seem that Open Door’s thru Mike Williams has decided to pursue a strategy re this forum of providing statements and documentation which on the surface APPEAR to be a denial but upon closer examination leave wide room for “plausible denial” should an “embarrassing” piece of proof appear at a later date.