Re-Introduction... From East Texas and Austin

[Todd Aaron]

Hi again! 

I introduced myself awhile back here but just after that I fell into a lot of reading and some of the learning curve that can be massive (which I am still in btw).  

I live in Tyler, Texas and I spend a lot of time (mostly weekends) in Austin.  I am in Austin right now actually, doing some work on a friend's property here which is in the process of ramping up to be a Short Term Rental.  They are doing all the work themselves and I am helping them and honing my rehab/remodel skills along the way. 

The area I am most familiar with in Austin is the Hyde Park area and the lettered streets area toward 35.  The property I am working on here is on 38 1/2. The values of properties here are insane compared to Tyler!  A 2/1 here in Austin in this area is valued somewhere in the $300K-$400K range and could be picked up in Tyler for $100k or less.   

My goals are still ultimately to own rental properties, however I have come to the realization that I will need to increase my capital significantly on the way, so I am looking at doing some flips to generate the needed income over and above (and possibly eventually replacing) my day job. 

I would like to meet some who are doing this successfully in my areas and really understand what I am getting into especially with flips.  I have been out of the residential construction industry for a long time, but I used to be a residential electrician and have done some residential framing and odd repair/remodel jobs previously... but it's been a while.

Seems the more I read, the more questions that generates and it would be nice to develop some relationships with others close by who are doing this, and possibly end up working together on some projects in the future.  

I have J Scott's Book on flipping houses (working through that one now) and his book on estimating rehab costs.  In the flipping book he recommended a book called Inspecting A House which I have acquired a copy of... and a friend who has a few rentals introduced me to her friend in Austin who (her husband) does construction now after starting with flipping houses years ago, who recommended a book on flipping that was actually written by her brother called "Flip: How to Find, Fix, And Sell Houses for Profit by Rick Villani. Haven't gotten to that one yet either.

Books are great, but I would still like to get personal relationships going. 

This site is massive! 

Well, I am heading outside to (hopefully) finish installing a fence and straightening a slightly leaning detached garage before making the 4 hour drive back to Tyler this evening. But I'll check back in on breaks.

Thanks,
Todd