All Forum Posts by: Joel Rubino

Hi @Gary Swank,

I was talking to a friend who is a contractor a few months ago. He mentioned something about paying an extra 20% of his costs (materials + labor), and then he would use that money to cover any overages during the renovation. Does this make sense to you? Is this a common thing when flipping houses? It kind of sounds like a good idea because basically all construction projects go over budget. If so, I'm not sure that a common percentage is 20%? On my rentals, I either just do the work myself, or just hire a someone that I know is handy to help me out (most of the time a friend that charges little to nothing). Since I work full time, doing this work myself isn't really an option. I could do some things, but in order to get the property back on the market a quick as possible, I will need to hire a GC. Any help is very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Joel

Thanks  @Sam T.. I have started looking into these groups. I totally agree, though. Like anything else, you need to surround yourself with people that have actually been through it. It's really nice to see that in this industry so many people that are willing to help.

Hi @Felicia Harrison, I am trying to take in as much info as I possibly can. Do you think that starting out with commercial property is the way to go? I am just worried that you can have all of the knowledge in the world, but nothing compares to real life experience. I just don't want to get in too deep, then not be able to get out. Thanks for the book recommendation. I will definitely look into it. I have heard a lot of positive feedback out apartments in general. Seems like that is the true way to financial freedom.

Hello BP world,

I am a currently a beginner real estate investor. I currently live in Pittsburgh, PA. I own 2 duplexes. The first was purchased in 2011, and the second in 2014. I am really looking to take my real estate investing to the next level, with the hopes of making this my full time job. I currently work in finance and am tired of being in corporate America. I would really like to get into flipping while still adding some rentals along the way, but mostly flipping. This has always been a passion, but I have never really been able to take that leap of faith. I am hoping that I can pick someone's brain about the best way to get started, where the best places in the city are, and some common mistakes to look out for. Thanks in advance.

Best,
Joel