Fixing up a property

[Fenwa Akamo]

I'm currently looking into investing in my first property and doing a fix and flip. I've been able to find a property that's selling really low, so I see it as a great opportunity to get my feet wet being that the risks is low (finance wise). Only problem is the property is 2.5 hours away, and I work a 9-5. I'm getting push back from my Dad that I shouldn't do it which has me second guessing. His reason being that for the first property I want to be close by just in case there's something that comes up with the contractors who are doing the work. 

Does anyone have any experience where they had to just drop everything and go to the property they were fixing up to deal with something? My thinking is, if I have nothing to do with the actual repairs, what would they need me to come out there to do? Any and all feedback is welcomed.

Thanks.

[Matt Leonard]

Listen to you father!  just because the price is low, it does not make it a good deal, it might actually make it a nightmare, especially at 2.5 hours away and needing to maintain your 9-5.  If you know your contractors well and trust them 100% it may be doable.

How are you going to know if the contractors show up?  

How are you going to know if they a cutting corners?  

How are you going to deal with a contractor call when you are at work needing a decision on how to handle a problem they uncovered. 

How are you going to know if all your tools and materials are going to disappear in the night?  

If it was me, I would punt on this deal.  Spend that 5 hour round trip drive (you'll most likely need to go at least 2-3 times per week) working some OT or a side hustle to build up your capital and visit open houses even if you have no intention of buying the property.  I probably went to over 100 open houses before I made my first purchase, when I did pull the trigger, I knew what problems to look for and what was a good deal vs an overpriced headache.