Seeking Guidance on Starting an Out-of-State BRRRR Investment

[Maurizio Pisciotta]

Hello! I'm new to Bigger Pockets and have been immersing myself in the podcast and studying various aspects of real estate investing—from market analysis to financing—for the past two months. I'm planning to actively pursue my first investment property in January and am interested in a BRRRR strategy. Since I live in Florida, where many properties are currently out of my price range, I'll be investing out of state.

I have a few questions and would appreciate some guidance:

1. I plan to rehab the property but don’t yet have any contacts for getting quotes. Where can I find a reliable general contractor?

2. Should I check back here once I finalize the market/area I’m looking to invest in?

3. I’ll also need a property manager. When would you recommend starting the search for one? Should I wait until I’ve purchased the property, or start once I’ve decided on the target market and city?

Overall, I’d love advice on the ideal timeline for finding team members—like a general contractor and property manager—for an out-of-state investment. 

Thank you!

[Nicholas L.]

@Maurizio Pisciotta

why not start in state? out of state BRRRR is incredibly difficult. the answers to all of your questions are... go find those people in person, which is difficult to do out of state unless you're traveling frequently to your chosen market. if your immediate area in FL is too expensive go an hour or 2 out. if you're thinking you'll manage your BRRRR from your computer... nope. that's a recipe for disaster. it's a hands-on strategy.

there are lots of posts on BP about the challenges of BRRRR. it's tough everywhere and it's really, really difficult for a new investor to do remotely especially when they really don't plan to go in person. you're the boss when it comes to a BRRRR - no one is going to take responsibility for getting anything done, not the agent, not the contractor, not the PM, not the locality, not anyone but you.