Residential builders license needed for live-in-flip/ house hack?

[Ryan Rhodes]

I am relatively new to real estate ideology. Would a residential builder's license be required/beneficial for a live in flip/house hack? Online answers are conflicting. Thanks!

[John Acheson]

Ryan, the specific answer depends on the parcel, city, county and state the property is in.  Find the code and study it.

I believe that many states if not most allow for an contractor's license exemption if the owner acts as GC playing the role as owner-builder of his/her's own home.  Make sure you check if you are allowed to sell or rent or have to hide that intention up front.

And if you want to build a plex (4 units or under is residential financing) you may have a hard time finding the land zoned multi and should look for an special use variance of much more common and cheaper single family zoned land.  Land is not required to get money.

The problem comes up during construction loan financing your 1st deal because the bank will ask for a resume of the owner-builder including experience building homes.  Without experience, you may have to hire a GC to manage the project and submit that in the financing package.

After you build your 1st one it should be much smoother!

I apologize if you are not intending to build and

the assumption that builder's license meant

General Contractor's license.