Go with my FIL (contractor) for flips and BRRRR?

[Matt Rekowski]

Hi everyone,

I could use some advice. I’m getting started in a market where my father-in-law (whom I’m very close with) happens to be a phenomenal general contractor in the area. I worked for him for a few years (while on summer breaks during college), and he and his crew do amazing work. They’re fast and efficient, and I know without a doubt that I wouldn’t have to stress or worry a bit that everything is getting done correctly and quickly.

However, I'm also fairly confident that he charges more compared to the typical "investor-friendly" contractor, as they do a lot of primary residences (typically for high-end homes) and commercial work, and I'd wonder if this would affect the rehab estimate too much (maybe not though?). We'd be looking to buy distressed properties either as fix and flips, or BRRRR deals. Any advice for navigating these waters? I feel it'd be a weird conversation to tell him we want to hire out someone else, but I also realize that if I hired him, I wouldn't have to worry a single bit about getting a fair and honest bid, and knowing that things are getting done without me having to check up on the job site. I'm also not in the area, so it'd give me some peace of mind from afar. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!