First flip? I don't know...

First flip? I don't know...

Andrew FauknerPro Member
Rental Property Investor · Modesto, CA · Member since 2014 · 102 posts · 35 votes

First of all, my wife and I have had a few rentals for decades, so I am somewhat familiar with some rehabbing. Since I retired last June from teaching, I decided I was ready to try a flip. I just found the proverbial "stinky house", (yes, it does really stink inside). It is owned by an out of town 95 year old. The house was section 8 when the property manager died, and the tenants kept living in the house without paying rent. Reports say they were living in the house with several pets, including a pot-bellied pig. I think we can overcome the smell by removing the nasty carpet, and priming everything with KILZ primer. What really worries me is what I can't see. For example, the floor seems a little "spongy" as I walk around, almost like being in a mobile home.  The fiberglass tub has a crack in the floor. Were they using it while they were living there, or did they do it on their way out? The house is not on the market yet, but they will have an asking price of $179,000. My agent, who is also the listing agent thinks they will come down to $150,000. Not having done a flip before, my budget looks like $53,000 for rehabbing. I know there are going to be surprises. I found 12 comps on Zillow for the last year, but the average price per sf. would bring this to $207,000. I think I can get closer to $230,000. I don't know,  I feel like I'm just rambling here. Did everyone feel like this for your first flip?

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  • Real Estate Broker · Spokane, WA · Member since 2018 · 125 posts · 32 votes
    8y

    Good day is this truly your "first" flip? Sounds as if you have some general or basic experience which places you much further than the other investor who states hes done many and has not done one. We all know one or two! LOL! You honestly need to look at it as an experience, good or bad, possibly in between. All of us want to hit a home run on your first second, third or even your 10th project. If it seems to good to be true than more than likely it is, also go with your gut and if you make a mistake, no big deal, treat it as a learning experience and move onto the next flip. You stated you prefer the "fix and hold" aka, rentals as I do. They are far less risky, however your capital grows so much slower. Good luck with this one, I look at it, if it is a win or a loss its a learning experience and make the most out of it.

    Take it slow, be confident and you have this.

    Tyler Barranger

  • Andrew FauknerPro Member
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Modesto, CA · Member since 2014 · 102 posts · 35 votes
    8y

    Thanks for the encouragement Tyler. We just found out that this is really a mobile home with a garage added on. That would explain the spongy floor, and a couple of other concerns I had. I got some good practice looking at comps, and estimating, rehab costs, but I think I'm out on this one.

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