Building multiple homes at once - what discounts could I expect?

[Keith Everette Smith]

Hello! I am considering building multiple houses at once that would become rentals. What types of discounts could I expect when building houses ”in bulk.”  

Who if you have negotiated deals with general contractors and subcontractors? What types of discounts did you see and what kinds of things might I ask for?

What options might I have for discounted appliances or supplies when buying in bulk? Has anyone ever tried going directly to the manufacturers? 

Thanks for any help you can give. I’m just trying to get an idea of what I can expect in this area and how I should approach the different things listed above.

[Seth Borman]

Most places don't consider "bulk" to be fewer than 30 units at a time.

You'll get a lot of efficiencies from being able to pick through different contractors and lower prices iteratively. 

For example, I just rehabbed a house in a new market. I got 5+ bids for everything that I could, and now I know where to get things done more cheaply and quickly next time.