Investing Journey, Is DIY work a good or bad thing?

[Derrick Foggy]

I'm really excited to be joining the real estate investing realm, I am a current mortgage loan officer but I have had plans to invest for some time now. My first question (of many more to come) would be about DIY work on properties. I plan on doing as much of the work on my properties with an existing group of handymen who I used to work with in my property management days. I am also a very competent handyman and will be receiving my license to be an Electrician in the upcoming year. If I were to seek out private funding would these be good or bad points? Thanks in advance.  

[Peter B.]

As long as you stick to what your good at it. It  can be really powerful tool to force appreciation. 

Workmans work for workmans wage??? A good contractor makes well over 100k per year.

For example vinyl plank installs for about 2.50 a ft. There is a bout 400' in an average apartment.. Takes me less than 12 hrs to install start to finish. Starting and quiting when I want. Installed close to 10000 ft the last year and a half.

The average apartment kitchen demolition and installation takes me about 20-24 hrs including picking up the cabinets. I got quotes for over 1500 per kitchen labor only. (did 17 last year)

The average 1000 sq ft apartment takes myself and my dad less than 8 hrs to paint. labor only other owners were paying 500-700.

There is anywhere from 6-10 electrical fixtures in an apartment. My electrician (who I hire for bigger work) charges 50-100 per fixture. I can do 2 ceiling fans and 6 light fixtures in less than 8 hrs.

I think you get my point.. Sure handy man work is probably not your best use of time.. But the actual renovations that's another story. (Probably forced over 300k in appreciation in the last 3 yrs)

As far as not being able to scale up... The only reason I stopped where I am at (91 units) has nothing to do with time or money.. Just inventory.