All Forum Posts by: Bryce K.

Man, that is gospel right there. Price does not equal Cost. Should be BP t-shirt. 

From tools, to materials, to houses and vehicles, even friendships. 

Is this a screen door, or a window screen? Many of the cheap screens sold in big box stores are plastic, higher end metal ones can be found. 

An option is covering/replacing the screen with expanded steel, or a decorative metal mesh. I do this on the lower half of my screen doors. It will cost a bit more, but barring blatant abuse, never needs to be replaced. And if it is broken, your tenants obviously beat the hell out of it.

Good luck. 

I grew up in the trades, my brother is in the trades, our father, grandfather, etc. I do my own work as much as possible, no contractor I can afford will do work as high quality as I will. BUT, and it's a big but, a contractor will do it much faster than I will, so when I need someone it's purely a timing factor.

The first time I hire out work, I don't haggle the price and I don't over-see or micromanage the  job.  I've been on both ends of that and it keeps me from doing my best work. However, one strike and I'll never hire that contractor again, nor will my associates or friends. I say all this as a disclaimer that I may not be the most reasonable person to ask about sourcing contractors.

Referrals are good, but I've got a 50% failure rate with referred contractors, so maybe my friends aren't as picky as I am.

I have found amazing people through my work with Habitat for Humanity and the Fuller Center for Housing.  You're missing out if you don't volunteer with local housing groups, big resources there, and you'll give back in the most important way.

My management company has saved my *** more than once, they're my best resource

My go-to technique is to get quotes from the four most expensive and reputable companies I can afford, hire the best quote that my gut agrees with, and if they do good work build a relationship and treat them like gold.

You'll also find that the guy that actually shows up to do the work, if he's not the owner, can be coaxed into doing "side work". That's when he comes back after hours to do something and you pay him cash directly.  I've had some of the best work done that way.

Good luck.

The time spent trying to save money isn't always worth the money lost by spending time. 

For example, taking a month to research and find the perfect product or contractor for a job may not save the revenue lost by not having the house rented.

Don't let perfection be the enemy of good enough  

Thanks everyone. @Tom Ott, was/is Smartland part of/associated with CPMG? 

I've lurked for months on BP, been listening to the podcasts, finally created a profile and introducing myself.  I currently have 3 single family rentals in a Cleveland, OH suburb, all managed by the same company, all producing solid revenue since 2012.  I do the work on the homes, but have the management company deal with the tenants.  Against all of the advice everywhere, my wife and I recently financed a sheriff sale, that was an adventure, although an amazing learning experience.  Our next step is more single families, but my friend and mentor recently moved into the world of large multi-families, and that has me intrigued.  

As a contract pilot, I have about half the year free to pursue real estate and grow my small construction business. I've toyed with the idea of beginning a home inspection business.

Anyways, I'm excited to be part of the community and eager to learn.