Lack of practical constructi?on knowledge hindering real estate investing plans!

[Account Closed]

Investors: How can I learn basic construction?

A little bit about myself: I work in commercial real estate for the federal government, doing portfolio management (office properties). I'm also an MBA student at night at Villanova University studying real estate and finance concentrations. So... I have a strong grasp of many aspects of real estate and investing. Additionally, I own one single family rental property (3BR house in South Philly) that I kind of stumbled into.

So my long term life goal is to build wealth through real estate by pretty much any means necessary (while being highly ethical). Ideally, I would like to do rehabs and then rent them out. What my challenge is, is that I have limited practical knowledge of construction. I was working with Habitat for Humanity, which was helpful, until I got sidelined by a sports injury. I will be having surgery in a couple months, at which point, manual labor will once again be feasible.

I realize that basic construction is far from rocket science, but I did not grow up in a very handy household and I think that as a result of that, I am intimidated by carpentry, plumbing, electric, etc. I realize I can contract for all of that, and am comfortable getting multiple bids from contractors, but I am intimidated dealing with them only in the sense that I don't have enough hands on knowledge to fact check what they tell me. Also, I'm a little concerned about buying rehab worthy properties but not picking up on major issues that could blow my rehab budget.

Any ideas how to develop this skill set? I think it would be easier if I didn't have a 9-5, but then again if I didn't have a 9-5, everything else would be more challenging.

Thanks!!!!

[Jon Holdman]

Once upon a time reading a book and hands on experience were about the only teachers for this sort of thing. These days, you have lots of other opportunities to learn:

1) Books - still a great choice. Browse through the books at the Home Depot and pick out a fairly thick, general one and just read it. If you really want to see details, buy a code book. Those can be tough to read, but have a lot of details about how to do things. After going though that general one, but some specifically around plumbing and electrical.

2) The internet - there are many sites that discuss various projects. Any time I'm about to do something I've not done, or haven't done recently, I just start searching. Even stuff I've done multiple times I can sometimes find hints and short cuts.

3) YouTube - I'm always amazed at the amount of useful stuff on here, in addition to all the cat videos.

4) Home Depot University - At least around here Home Depot puts on short classes on various topics. They're usually free, fairly short, and on weekends and at night.

5) Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity or similar organizations - A good way to get some hands on experience and help someone in the process.