Where to buy materials etc.?

[Paul Zofsak]

I am working on my fourth investment property and have been buying everything from the big box stores that was not supplied by my contractors.  Is there a better place to buy materials in Houston other than the big box stores?  That being said I understand I will probably get a better selection at a tile store than Home Depot, but will the pricing be any better?  Prebuilt cabinets, lighting, granite, lumber, vanities, appliances, sinks and faucets, doors, paint, etc. where are you all buying from for your flips/rentals?

[Jeremy Pace]

@Paul Zofsak how much time have you spent talking to the PRO desk at Home Depot or the ProServices at Lowe's?  Talking with them will almost always result in finding profoundly cheaper materials, appliances, etc.  

There are some instances where you can find things like furnaces cheaper directly from suppliers, but by and large if you know what you want, and buy it when it's available, you can make out pretty well.  I've also had some success by clustering my purchases so that I can take advantage of zero percent financing on my Lowe's card.