Fix and flip, out of state...

[Sylvia Hanna]

Six months went by and I still didn't buy my first rehab project.   I'm looking to purchase in the Orlando area in Florida.  There are homes for 30-60K I see online and the resale could be 85K on the lower end in some neighborhoods.  I know this from the research I've done.  

When speaking with a local agent, he insisted that I shouldn't purchase without seeing the property.  While this is a very reasonable statement, I don't see why this is a must.  I know the property is already in shambles.   Seeing it doesn't give me anymore information than I know now.  I am not at the phase where I can look at a home and say, it will cost x dollars to fix.  So what's the difference if I see it or not.  I did my research regarding the neighborhood.  I can see the streets using google earth.   Am I missing something?!  

I have to hire a handy man/ contractor  to go see what the fixing cost will be.   While I realize this cuts into my cost, this is my first one and I expect to "pay".  The style there seems to be tile floors.  How much do tile floors cost in a 1000-1200 sq ft. home cost? what else can be bad?  Plumbing, roof?  I already know a roof can cost between 5-7k.  How much can plumbing cost?   Wiring/electric?  What else can be bad in the home?  

More concerns....

I've spoken with a general contractor and during our conversation he mentioned that he only works about 4 hours a day and that was perfectly normal.  FOUR HOURS A DAY??!  I never heard of such a thing.  I expect the rehab to be finished within a month tops.  It wouldn't be possible to finish it in a month if you're working only 4 hours a day/weekend off.  I haven't dealt with contractors in the past.  Is this the general mentality?  I am not very understanding of clock puncher mentality.   If the work could actually be finished within the time period then I don't care if someone works 2/3 hours a day. It's about getting it done to my specifications and within a specific amount of time.  During the fixing up time-I would be present.  

What else should I consider?  Thanks for reading!

Sylvia