All Forum Posts by: Cliff Loya

Any suggestions for a good concrete contractor in Pittsburgh?  Currently looking at a property that has a concrete porch that potentially needs replaced or at least patched.  There is some erosion coming for the basement side that is causing some weakness.  Definitely not a job that I feel comfortable doing on my own.  Property is within the city limits.  Any help would be appreciated.

@Anthony Angotti

Thanks for the advice. I will be sure to post on the PGH REIA FB page. I will PM you about your staging process.

Any suggestions for good staging companies in the Pittsburgh area?  Looking at properties now, but want to contact some to get rates and understand how they operate.  I am assuming you need to book them in advance and if one company is booked I would like to have a couple as back ups.

@Jennifer Lee Financing at this point.  Although if you know of any hard money lenders I would be happy to have that info.

@Anthony Angotti @Jennifer Lee @Gary Swank

I appreciate the help and advice.  

One more question.  If I was looking for funding, who would you guys recommend I contact?

I am a newbie and had some questions about contacting real estate agents for the propose of rehab and flipping in Pittsburgh.  

For the first project, I would be doing a joint venture with my friend who is a framer so he could take care of the rehab side. I would be in charge of the logistical side of things including dealing with agents. We both know how much we can contribute to the project(planning on funding it all cash, let me know your opinions on that). We have a target area set up although it is broad. I am in the process of setting up my LLC and having a lawyer draw up the JV contract.

These are some questions I have:

1.  Would this be a good time to contact agents?  Or are there some other steps we should take care of first?  I know time is money for these guys and want to be as prepared to make a move on something ASAP.

2.  When looking for properties to buy, how many agents should I contact?  Just try a couple or reach out to as many as possible?

3. What specific questions should I be asking when I first contact them?  Should I try and find both buyer and seller agents?

4.  When should I be asking the agent(s) to run comps for me?

5. Best way to find decent agents? I am a member of the local Western PA REIA. I know this is a great way to find them along with other resources. However my job requires me to work a lot of nights so I always miss their monthly meetings including the rehabbing subgroup.

Any help for the BP membership would be appreciated.  Also if you think of anything else I should be doing, please let me know.

@Nick L. Thanks for responding.  My partner and I would be looking for SFHs in the following school districts:  Fox Chapel, Shaler, Hampton and Avonworth.  Let me know if you need any more info.  

@Carolina E. thanks for your reply.  After doing more exploring on BP, I discovered some more resources.

@Anthony Geren I heard that Redfin would give the most accurate info.  Do you find that to be the case?  

Thanks for the insight about getting licensed.  I will make sure to get in touch if I need too.

I am deciding whether to get my real estate license or not. Part of the draw for me is to analyze comps through the MLS. From what I have heard that is the best way to get the most accurate data on comps. Does anyone out there have any suggestions on how to obtain reliable comp data without having to use the MLS? I know I could ask an agent for this information, but I would like to not have to rely on someone for this info if possible. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Looking for a good wholesaler in Pittsburgh, PA.  Figured the Bigger Pockets community would be a good way to start.  Looking for a quality deals.