Should I partner with contractor on my first flip?

[Bruce Clark]

I picked up a house at a tax sale for $1,500. It is a small 2 bed/1.5 bath. The owner before me was renovating but then just walked away from it. The house has a new roof, new windows, and new drywall in the living room. The rest of the house is completely gutted to the studs, but the bones are good. The estimated after repair value of the house is about $65,000. I have a few rental units but I have never undertaken this type of deal. My rough estimate to finish the house is between $30,000 and $40,000, but given my inexperience, I am not sure how close I am. I have a good friend who is a general contractor and also has an accounting degree. I have no concerns about his ability to accurately bid this job or his ability to complete the job timely. I met him at the house today. we did a full walk through of the house and we went over some ideas for a floor plan. He said he would get me a rough estimate in a couple days. Then a few hours later, presumably after he started realizing the value/profit that was hidden in this house, he text me and asked if I would be interested in selling it to his company. Rather than selling it to him outright, I would rather do the deal with him. First, I think I would stand to make more money, but more importantly, I would like to be a part of the project for the experience. My idea is to propose that I will finance the cost of all material, he provides all labor, and then we split the sale price. Again, I do not have much experience with full rehabs, so I do not know if this is reasonable for him or for me. Any suggestions on how I could put this deal together in a way that would make sense?

[Uriah D.]

Bruce Clark I've been in or around several partnerships that have fallen apart for one reason or another. I'm sure there are hundreds more that would say the same thing. My complete honest opinion is to sell to him for roughly the profit you would have made at the 35-50% profit split range (10-15k from what others have stated). Then be there as much as possible to learn whenever he decides to show up. Help him sell it if you want as a friend. You are headed down a path that isn't worth it. Sell to him or do it by yourself if this is a friendship you would like to keep. Trust me.