All Forum Posts by: David Barker

Hello,

I am looking for a general contractor to do purchase inspection for 56 units in Florence, SC.  Anyone know someone who can help?

Another great resource if you are thinking of flipping is J Scott's series of books on flipping houses, both available here on BiggerPockets.  J has a way of writing that is very detailed, no ra-ra, but still an easy read.

Diwas, welcome to BiggerPockets.  This is a great place to gather all kinds of real estate investing info.  I grew up in Towson and now live in Perry Hall.  You have to be careful in Baltimore because it is a very pocketed market, more so than many other cities.  One area might be really really nice, but a couple blocks away is a war zone.  You have to rely on someone with experience to help you navigate the minefield.   I had a struggle myself finding a reliable realtor, but after a long, long search finally found a realtor who I really like.  His name is Joseph Norman, he is an investor himself, both rentals and fix n' flip and he understands the Baltimore market like no one else I have seen.  I highly suggest you contact him if you are looking for a knowledgeable realtor.  As a disclaimer, I am not connected with Joe or his business in any way except as a happy client.

 So Jr T., having read the entire thread, I'm curious, I want to hear the conclusion to this exciting post....

Were you able to find reasonable liability insurance through Jason Bott?  (I am not looking to know all the gory details, I'm just curious if you were able to find what you were looking for?)

I am an investor just getting my feet wet with residential fix and flips in the Baltimore, MD area.  I have come across one that looks like it might have potential, however, behind the back yard is a large graveyard.  Otherwise, the area seems fine, blue collar.

I would like to hear people's thoughts, am I going to have trouble selling this house after it is rehabbed due to the graveyard?

@Lian,

If the house you are describing is still on the market, maybe take another contractor over there and see what he/she says it needs to get a 2nd opinion.  Is the $249k comp you are using also approx 1100sfq with the same # beds and baths that you're completed reno will have?

Lian, 

J Scott wrote a series of two books, "The Book on Flipping Properties" and "The Book on Estimating Rehab Costs" that I bought here on BiggerPockets and highly recommend, he is very detailed and after reading them, I felt like I have a good handle on the process of rehabs.

J Scott,

In the Book on Estimating Rehab Costs, you detailed a fantastic spreadsheet with the costs you used for your deals at that point.  Now that you reside in the Baltimore area, have you updated it to reflect Baltimore prices you have found?  If so, I'm sure I'm not the only reader of yours who would love to see it.

Todd, I am a real estate investor right down the road from you in Perry Hall, MD.  I have been in multi-family for a number of years, but am ramping up a new arm of my business, doing fix and flips, focusing on Baltimore County.  I have cash ready to do something, but am also struggling to find good deals.  If you end up with a steady stream of good deals and are looking to wholesale them to an investor like myself, I would love to be added to your buyer's list.

Thank you all for the great ideas.  Certainly many things to think about....