Help with first deal....

[Mike Nelson]

Ok, so it's about time that I get ready to construct my first deal. My only concern is, once I find a place how do I estimate rehab cost? I have worked with my father when I was younger so I have a basic understanding of do it yourself work. Other than that I'm pretty much left in the dark.

How does one estimate cost and generate a total amount needed for material and labor? I know I can have a contractor come in and give me an estimate but I simply don't trust anyone else on telling me how I should spend my money.