Should I hire a General Contractor?

[Christopher Anderson]

Hello BP community, 

I'm beginning the process of taking on a number of BRRRR properties in the research triangle area (Durham Co.) and I'm curious to hear other people's thoughts about how important hiring a GC is.

About me: I'm got 20+ years in the entertainment industry working as electrician, carpenter, rigger, etc. I've also lived through multiple renovations on homes I've owned over the years. As such I'm somewhat handy, but also know where my limitations are (for example, I'm not a tile expert) I'm also very clear on the fact that I'm not licensed as an electrician or plumber. 

About the project: We have just submitted offer on 4 SFH in the area, that will require differing levels of reno. One can be pretty quickly turned around, one will need drywall demo'd and replaced (mold and tobacco smoke issues), the other 2 are somewhere in between. I'm in the process of developing a standardized checklist for my reno projects, so that if I do bring on a GC or simply hire out to subs myself I can both make the scope of work extremely clear, and keep track of material purchased and progress.

Question: How critical is it to have a GC for this project? I've not had any experience pulling permits myself, and am not clear on what the threshold for needing permits is (but I expect the subs would be able to tell me). Is this something that I can essentially project manage myself? Curious to hear other people's experiences and thoughts. 

Thanks, 

Chris