All Forum Posts by: Ron Czecholinski

Nothing wrong with being different and making money. Green building and small houses are a matter of common sense. Hopefully this economic mess has people waking up and they won't put their head back in the sand.

Changes are blowing in the wind all over the country. Creative innovative alternatives are a growing trend and opportunities are everywhere.

Yes it would be difficult to find the right property but I think the effort would pay off. The market is there.

Great idea

I have been an investor / contractor for many years and always interested in innovative green building. I'd be interested in partnering on a project like building a small development of container homes. I imagine there are others - just hard to find.

Babble all you want Trevor. I always enjoy hearing someone speak from their heart.

I am a builder and interested in small house developments (like Trevor). I have been building and rehabbing for many years but always one at a time. I just sold my last project and would like to get involved in this type of development - maybe starting small like a cluster of four houses.

I have limited capital and would like to build a team that would include investors and other expertise. I am interested in almost any area of the country but think a progressive area near a university would be best (Asheville,NC is one consideration).

I am looking for advice on building a team and structuring a working agreement. Any thoughts? Any interest?

I am glad you are continuing to pursue your dream Trevor. I would like to add a couple comments to the mix.

I think this concept is the way of the future - I have been following the Cottage Company for years and their influence on zoning in the Seattle area is catching on in many areas. Adding affordability (along with quality green built features) probably makes this the most sustainable concept in building.

Good luck Trevor and keep me posted on your progress

Crazy market is right Glen. I enjoy the creative outlet of rehabbing and my strategy has always been one at a time unique properties with higher end detail, and always sold fast and above market value. I have had a great house in a great location that was for sale 10 months before getting it under contract. I still did alright but definitely need a new strategy.

I was in Florida for several years and left just before the crash. I imagine there are good opportunities there with the right strategy.

Ron

Good question. What I want to do is not a problem, lots of interests. In fact real estate investment has been basically funding my other interests that don't always make money.

Currently, I am involved in consulting and sales related to green building. I am mostly looking for input on other areas of REI to continue the funding and eventual semi retirement.

Some of my considerations are partnering with new investors / rehabbers, possibly a small green home development, and / or something more passive like notes. Just looking for a place to brainstorm.

BTW, the house I have under contract is finished. I am planning on traveling for the winter while considering new direction.

I have been rehabbing houses for over thirty years. I started as a remodeling contractor and always had my own projects going. The past several years I have only focused on my own projects but this economy and energy level has me considering other angles.

I have a house under contract now that has been up for sale most of last year and this year. My time and money is being freed up and I am looking for new opportunities. I sure would appreciate input on where to place my energy and investment.

Ron

I understand there is some educating to do. I have been working with a couple of manufacturers who will build according to my plans and specs. I can build a prefab with the same specifications but better quality control than a site built home. The costs are down because of efficiency and, for an owner builder or new investor, the learning curve to build a house is greatly reduced.

Ron

I have been rehabbing and involved in other business for a long time. I want to first say that I agree that everything is speculation, including that you are going to get up tomorrow morning. I know just as many people that have lost in their speculation on rental property as on flips.

There are many factors to consider. First, it depends on what you want to do and what level of risk you are comfortable with. Your values and goals are another consideration. Personally, I like doing creative work with green features - I tell people I do this for art as much as money.

That said, I have been focusing my attention on developing a modular package for building new small green homes. I think new homes - especially modular - offer a good alternative to rehabs. I have always shot for a niche market where my houses stand out a bit from the rest.

Ron