All Forum Posts by: Cory Osborn

For me, when I got started in new construction, I called up home builders and developers and asked to shadow them and meet them out at their projects.  Sometimes this meant talking to the project managers who worked for them but either way, I was on the site asking stupid questions.  They never seemed to mind.  I remember asking questions that now make me feel slightly silly for not knowing at the time.  I read and take courses as well but for me, I learned the most from being on site and talking to people who knew what they were doing (GCs, PMs, Subs, Inspectors).  Inspectors especially can be a great resource.  I still call them when I need clarification on things.  

As for financing, call up some commercial lenders and ask if you can come in and talk to them.  Just be straight with them; that you're trying to learn and that you're a total noob.  They'll give you time.  Ask the dumb questions.  Put yourself out there.  Ask if they can explain how much cash you need, what type of financing is available, etc.  

@Brandi J. - Mostly Lincoln, NE and surrounding areas.  

@Matthew Bailey @Greg Dickerson - I like both of your ideas and will implement them immediately.  I agree that off-market is the way to go.  The extra work is worth it, it seems.

I appreciate all the help here ladies and gentlemen.

Hey guys, I'm a pretty new developer.  I'm about to close on my first property, on which I will build 3 homes. The land is already developed but I got a great deal on it and should do well with it.

I'd like to start getting other properties in my pipeline for future development. I'm obviously talking to realtors, I scour the MLS like 5x a day trying to see what pops up on there. While they're few and far between, I have found some good property for potential development on the MLS, but I was slightly too late each time.

When I bought my first multifamily a few years back, I purchased it off market.  I literally drove around and made a list of off-market multifamilies I would be interested in buying and then went home, looked up owner info and sent out letters.  I sent out probably like 200 letters over a 3 month period, got about 15-20 calls and closed on one of them back in 2016.  I'd like to start doing this with property as well.  I'm just seeing if there is efficient way of doing it?  Or any other tips other developers or builders may have for finding property.  

Are builders receptive to cold calls about any land they might know of?  I'm very excited to start this chapter of my life and am extremely motivated to build something big out of it.