Looking to learn and become a general contractor, need guidance

[Nick Zhitao Kuang]

I've recently moved to Cleveland to do real estate full time. I have been investing in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex since 2019 and decided Cleveland is the next market to expand my real estate business. I invest in SFR and Multi. I see that becoming a general contractor is a logical move. it makes sense to rehab and renovate my own BRRRR deals and perhaps others in the future once I am more comfortable and licensed. Construction works/projects are very interesting to me.

Kindly point me in the right direction.   Should I attend a trade school? Which one? Find an entry level job? Look for experienced contractors to take me under their wings?  I would return the favor and provide much value back to them if they are willing to guide me.  

What is the best way to learn how to remodel kitchen and bathrooms? 

Any guidance and advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you for your attention.

[Rick Albert]

I'm not a contractor but have worked with many over the years. Keep in mind the insurance and worker's comp is expensive. So in terms of funding your own deals, I would look into managing the sub-contractors (plumbers, electricians, etc) as an owner builder if Cleveland would allow it. If you talking about creating a business around it, the most successful contractors I know have niches. For example I know one that solely does new construction. There are others that specialize in converting garages into Accessory Dwelling Units. The other advice is contractors are famous for poor money management. They use future jobs to pay for the last ones. This is because as a contractor you generally front a lot of the cost and then the client pays you as you move along in the project.

I wonder (and I'm just spit-balling here), it is better to become a project manager and you partner up with contractors and clients. You have zero overhead and still get to take on the projects.

At least that is what I would do. Good luck!