How do I learn how to do different construction and REHAB repairs

[Benjamin Allen]

I have been buying mainly turn-key properties as of late, with minimal repairs. Every time something breaks, I usually do a few things. I look it up on the internet, I Google it, read a few books on it, all to find out how to repair or fix it. Eventually I break down and I call a specialist who works for a company which then I "learn" the problem and how to solve it. I want to learn how to fix most if not all aspects of a house. I think I learn best by someone showing me this in person and knowing they would be there to help me in case I'm doing it incorrectly. I know how to paint and fix the guts of a toilet tank now! YAY! However, I want to learn how to drywall, mud, run electric, learn how most plumbing works and how to repair furnaces and boilers, how to lay flooring of all kinds with gout and laminates etc. Aside from having to pay a contractor to come as needed to when things break down, how would I best go about learning these skills? I think they are invaluable in my opinion. I say an IG post from Brandon Turner about how he put backsplash on by himself. It kind of made me envious. I don't hate him for it, I honestly admire him for it, like I admire most people who can do it themselves. Would you have any suggestions BP? I would love any help in being able to learn and feel competent in this matters.  

[Cody Guhl]

@Benjamin Allen - Over the last fifteen years, I've come to be able to do almost anything in construction, from foundations to framing to roofing, and anything in between. Most of that I learned when I rehabbed my own house. Learning these things takes time, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Don't take shortcuts either - learn the correct way to do things, because in the end it will save you time and money. 

The best way to learn these things is to start doing them yourself. @Brandon Turner, in many of the podcasts that he and @Joshua Dorkin put out, mentions reading as many books on home repair as you can, and learning by doing a little bit here and there. 

I wouldn't recommend starting any large projects, such as rewiring an entire home, but learn the basics. Get to know electricians and carpenters. Spend time shadowing them for a while if you can. Go to your local Lowe's or Home Depot Pro Desks and talk to the Sales Specialists. They are more than willing to help and give tips (I know, because I work at a Lowe's Pro Desk). 

Ultimately, the time you dedicate to learning and to doing is well worth it. But it will take a lot of time - often years, to master the many different aspects of rehabbing a home. I commend you for the willingness to learn these things. The skills you learn will be invaluable.