You will also need to know how to specify what a trade must do in writing to avoid under-work and over-regulating them.Tradesmen can be rough talking and rough personalities at times, and you also need to be able to stand up that and push through and get the job done.This is something you can probably do, and you may be able to learn the basic outline of it online from various sources before jumping into it yourself.

Building in this environment is the most expensive way to acquire a property.

The tenant operates a methadone treatment center which is highly regulated and it would be very difficult for them to move to another location.

Then, after charging you $5000 for the initial consultation, research and feasibility study, he will recommend an offering utilizing Reg D, 506 c instead as being less expensive, easier to sell, less regulated, and have a much better chance of success.  

They are corporations that are NOT regulated by traditional Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac guidelines.

Our industry is highly, highly regulated and our houses are eye wateringly expensive.  

@Matt Hatton Let them know you've registered with the federal Do Not Call Register and are following all the federal, state and local regulations related to legally cold calling consumers.Or just say "I found it online"

Then I decided to have the lead inspection to ensure that I was providing the safest environment for all future tenants and I started getting estimates as high as or higher than the painting.

If this is a deal breaker then you will likely lose your deposit.As long as the neighboring house and structures complies with city ordinances and HOA rules/regulations, I don't believe there is anything you can do about it.  

When the motivated seller is asking too much I negotiate the price down to a fair price and everyone's happy.Find yourself a great investor/agent or investor-friendly agent with negotiation skills.Plus, you have more protection as a buyer when you buy from the heavily regulated Multiple Listing Service than you do from the "wild wild west" of wholesaling!!