All Forum Posts by: Randy Pratt

So how to you get involved into Apartment investing? Im assuming the 600 doors means that you can buy a share of an apartment building? I would be very interested in this so I am going to do some poking around on BP and some googling, is there any specific resources or advice anyone can give that has done this successfully? Also what are the pitfalls that you can fall into with this type of an investment, or is it like any other real estate, location, location, location. 

Well assuming that I have the knowledge what are some of the pitfalls that you have run into as far as extra costs? I definitely understand that things happen and I would try to mitigate those with good up front planning and negotiating with subs. 

I definitely wouldnt mind finding a partner however would I already have to own the land? Otherwise what would stop them from doing this themselves if they like the opportunity? 

Hello! This is my first post on Bigger Pockets hope it goes well! 

I have been a low voltage contractor for 14 years, non-licensed. So I am not a newbie when it comes to construction. I have not been a GC however I have can do an know people that do, plumbing, electrical, low voltage, most of the Air conditioning system, hang drywall, irrigation. 

I recently found an old run down part of town that is starting to be bought up and there are several lots for sale around 50k, one receltly sold for 38k and there are some comps for 200+ with near 2000 sq ft houses. The lots are 6500+ sq ft, some are larger. There were 2 similar sized lots that one had the original home and the other was a flipped home, the original sold for under 100k and the flipped for 230k. 

This is very intriguing me and honestly I am becoming obsessing with building a house on one of these lots. 

My kind of plan is to get licensed contractors for the foundation, framing and roofing, the rest I can get done on the side or do it myself. During the housing boom I did a side job for a friend of a friend and he built houses with side labor work and made 50% margins on the whole thing. This is the first time that I can see me potentially being able to do this. 

About getting the financials done, my current house has about $80k value in it and I can sell this and then either rent a cheap apt or live with my GF parents for a few months. Construction loan the rest as my primary residence and I can either live in it for 2 years or sell it right after and hopefully make $50k plus and  have $130 to buy into a new house for my family. 

So thoughts? Good? Bad? 

I have been a Low Voltage Contractor for 15 years, Just make sure your wire is CL2 rated, most bulk speaker or communication wire is. Here is a calculator for voltage drop so you can see what the wire is going to do to the voltage. Keep in mind the lower the voltage the more wire guage can reduce it. 

http://www.calculator.net/voltage-drop-calculator....

Also anything under 120V is Low Voltage, so CL2 wire is fine, it should be stamped on the jacket or box. 

I actually have some spare communication wire 18 guage if you want, partial boxes. PM me if you are interested, I just want it gone as I have way too much.