How Taboo Is This?

[Josue Guerrero]

So I've been doing a little bit of analyzing deals and have found a couple of houses that would make sense to take a closer look at. The homes are in need of some repair work and I've set a budget for it accordingly. My question would be, how strange would it be to ask my general contractor to come take a look at a home alongside me, and give me an estimate for the repair costs on the spot, in order for me to decide if it's worth making an offer on it or not? 

In other words, if my budget for repairs is $10,000, and after looking at the house with me he says that it needs $20,000 in repairs, I would decide it's not worth my time or would lower my offer accordingly.

My question is, is that something that is normal to do in real estate investing, or is bringing your contractor along something that is frowned upon?

[Ben Leybovich]

Josue,

Let me just say this - if you don't know how to price the rehab, making an offer is just stupid. Your options are to either bring a contractor, or simply guess...

Which one would you prefer? Who cares if something is frowned upon. If it's the only way for you to make an intelligent decision, then it's the only way - done!

Simple, isn't it :)