How to get "investor" pricing from contractors?

[Account Closed]

I'm new and learning about flipping, hoping to acquire my first house to flip, and I'm wondering how you get investor pricing versus retail from a contractor. I have a good feel for what rehabs cost at a retail price and that is dramatically different from what I see quoted on this site for what flippers pay. So what is the magic way to get such a discount?

[Brian Mathews]

You probably won't get very good deals to start. After you prove yourself that you aren't doing this as a hobby and will do 1 deal and give up. Which happens a lot. You might be able to start negotiating some sort of lower rate. The first thing you need to do is be very organized and don't waste people's time constantly changing your mind about the scope of work and if you do change your mind, be ready to pay more. The next thing is that when a bill is due to a contractor, pay it very promptly. I'll be honest with you, I'm an hvac contractor and if you came to me, letting you know that you are just starting out, I would give you a bid, but most likely not take you very seriously. No offense to you personally, but there are so many people out there trying to do this that fail or never get off the toilet, its not even funny. I might try to shadow with somebody or partner with somebody who brings some legitimacy to the process, that might be a good start to meet people and get the ball rolling.