Modesto/Turlock, CA Contractor Asking for Job Quote Fees

[Account Closed]

I contacted a few contractors in my area to have them give me a ballpark estimate on a few potential investment properties so I could run the numbers. Unfortunately, each of them wanted some fee in order to give me a ballpark figure. Time is money and I can respect that. I explained my plan was that if the numbers worked out and I was able to get the home, then I would agree to giving them the first opportunity to bid the home, and I would definitely pay for the time it took to write up a rehab estimate to submit to the lender. It didn't seem as though that was an interesting proposition, because I couldn't get anyone to agree to that. If I only end up getting 1 of 10 houses that I try for, the cost of a ballpark fee will start to add up. Does anyone have any suggestions? Should I just pay a fee, and if so, what do you pay? Or, does anyone know a good contractor in the area that is Fix and Flip friendly, and doesn't charge a fee? Thanks! 

[Lee S.]

@Account Closed I'm sure an HML will only take a bid from a licensed contractor. Just be honest with seller, state that you have guesstimated rehab costs but will be bringing in a professional contractor once a sales price is agreed upon in writing and if there are major differences you will bring it to their attention. I've done a couple rehabs now so I'm pretty confident walking through and having a rough estimate. I wasn't able to get really close the firs round couple time since using a list of average prices per job for rehabs.