Flipping my 1st Property

[Spencer Lindquester]

I am a new investor and have been analyzing deals to find my first flip. I am super excited to take this step and I have read "Estimating Rehab Costs" by J Scott and I feel confident that I understand the basics. But I wanted to see if anyone has any tips on the best way to confirm rehab costs before any money becomes involved with the deal. A close friend is my capital partner on the flip and i want to be confident that they will see a profit. Should I have contractors bid the job BEFORE I offer or after? Any tips would be greatly appreciated! I am in the Portland Oregon market area.