My last Hurdle...Contractors

[Jay Drysdale]

What's y'alls method for interviewing and making relationships with the various contractors? Just start making calls and seeing if they have availability first and then go from there? Obviously licensed is main thing, bonded even better, viewing their portfolio, asking if they specialize in rehabs etc. I don't think I'd want a one-4-all and would be more cost effective to have a tile guy, kitchen guy, floor guy etc. Just don't want to get killed with holding costs by buying an asset and then not having anyone to do the work.

[Terrell Garren]

One guy's opinion - skilled trade relationships are right behind tenant selection in importance. It's taken years for me to build trusted relationships with a skilled plumber, electrician, roofer, carpenter, mason, framer, drywaller, HVAC guy, tree guy, insulation guy, footings guy etc.  Generally, tenant will call/text me and I have them call the trade to schedule repair. Trade sends me a bill.  Too easy now, but it took years to put in place. The only occasions I used a GC were for structural problems.  Calling a GC for a clogged drain or bad ceiling fan is like calling a moving company to clean out a closet. 

There was no magic in finding them, just work and perseverance.  I asked the trades for recommendations, asked neighbors, stopped at 10s of job sites, met them at the big box parking lot, snapped pics of the phone #s at red lights, etc.