All Forum Posts by: Robert Ellis

In this episode of Ask the Expert, I answer a critical question:

What’s the first step to assess the development potential of a 200-acre property without public utilities?

As a licensed general contractor and land development specialist in Columbus, Ohio, I break down why consulting a civil engineer is your key starting point.

Learn about the importance of utility planning, subdivision plats, and working with professionals to transform your property into a thriving development. Whether you're building residential homes or planning a major subdivision, this video provides actionable insights for maximizing your land’s potential.

Have a question about construction, land development, or entitlements? Drop it in the comments, and I might feature it in the next episode!

Reach out Anytime Via Call or Text: 

Rob Ellis 

Pink Development and Construction LLC

614-400-8762

[email protected]

Quote from @Brandon Clark:

I recently purchased a 200acre piece of ground located minutes from Selinsgrove, PA. This trabct has a farmhouse 3 bed 2 bath, 4 car garage, and two barns. I am currently renting the house for 850 month and the land to a farmer for 10500 per year. What made this property extremely desireable to me was the 1 mi road frontage on two different roads. Also this property has a small 8 acre tract cut out of it with residential homes on it.

So my question, what is my first step to get this property looked at to see its potential. Do I take my survey that I had done to a land planner to see how many lots can be put on the tract. The property is not served by public water and sewer.

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!

To assess the development potential of a 200-acre property without public utilities, start by consulting a civil engineer. They will evaluate critical factors like land grades, water and sewer systems, and overall feasibility. For subdivisions, a civil engineer can help create plats and an improvement plan showing how utilities will be implemented. Good luck with your project!

🏗️ How are you positioning ground-up construction and land sales to investors?

Hi, I’m Rob Ellis from Pink Development and Construction, working in Columbus, Ohio and Miami, Florida! 🌎 As a vertically integrated developer, I frequently work with out-of-state investors who are curious about returns, income streams, and the value of new construction projects.

In this video, I’m asking general contractors, developers, and builders:

➡️ How are you selling your projects?

➡️ What strategies or marketing tools work best to showcase your product—whether it’s a triplex, residential unit, or a larger development?

💬 Let’s collaborate! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or reach out to me directly. Your input could help elevate how we all approach selling ground-up construction.

Reach out Anytime Via Call or Text:

Rob Ellis

Pink Development and Construction LLC

614-400-8762

[email protected]

Hey everyone!

I’m looking to connect with some great developers and ground-up construction pros out there. I have a question about what’s working in your markets when it comes to floor plans and features. Specifically:

• What square footage ranges are performing best?
• How many bathrooms, bedrooms, and garages are in demand?
• Are you building on slabs, crawlspaces, or basements?
• What features (e.g., modern designs, open concepts) are resonating with buyers or renters?

For context, I’m active in Columbus, Ohio, but I also spend a lot of time in Miami, FL. We’re trying to figure out what’s trending and would love to hear what’s working for you in your area.

Looking forward to hearing your insights—thanks in advance! 🚀

Quote from @Tanya Maslach:

Hi everyone,
I'm an out of state investor (from CO), and looking for an agent and a GC to begin conversations with re: MF investment search in Columbus.

I'd love your objective, from-experience, worked-with-them (or know someone who did) referrals to folks you know are responsive hustlers! :-)  Agents and GC's please!

I am actively looking for MF (2-3 unit) properties.


Thank you.
Tanya

 our market is pretty constrained for 3 and 4 family so builders have started buidling them instead of existing. sells for higher and lots of advantages. land acquisition plus hard bid construction and build something someone is buidling already. 3 units is max without doing commercial that's what I would recommend. 

Quote from @Patrick Flanagan:

Hello, I was wondering if any out there is having success doing spec home builds? I’m looking to do a few spec home builds a year, I’ll take those profits and build multi family properties for long term investments. I’ve been an electrician for 10 years now, so I have a construction management background. 

I was wondering if I could connect with anyone who is in this space.

Thanks,

Pat 

 yes we do this right now with single family and we build 3 family because it's the largest residential classification by our buidling codes in Columbus Ohio. currently working on about 5 projects at a time for out of state investors. reach out for any more info, call is easiest 

Quote from @Jake Hughes:

How long do your renovations typically take when hiring a gc? Wrapping up renovations on one side of my first duplex and I closed in July. Flooring, Drywall, refinish basement, roof, gutters, tuck point around house, and one full bathroom gut all had to be completed. Any tips and recommendations are appreciated. Thanks.

 because existing is super messy and lower returns for general contractors and HIC, I'd recommend looking at new construction too. start to finish 120 days right now on 1-3 family is what our market is going for high volume spec homes that have been built before. 

Quote from @Edward Suess-Hassman:

Looking to get into Real Estate. I've been reading a few books on Bigger Pockets. Looking at possibly picking up "Small and Mighty Real Estate Investor" and " Wealth Without Cash". However, it seems my local area (San Jose / Bay Area) might not be the best as I know most of the win is in the buy. However, there is still so much I don't know. 

Wife won't let us house hack (we have a house, and a daughter). We have some REITs. 

Looking for guidance, networking and a path forward. Thanks!

 columbus is the market and new construction is the way to go 

Quote from @Julia Lyrberg:

Hi Mike! It sounds like you have a solid plan with house hacking and using an FHA loan! When choosing a location, focus on markets with job growth, population increases, and a diverse economy. Sites like Census.gov or Zillow's market trends can give great insights. For your budget, Midwest cities like Columbus, Indianapolis, or Pittsburgh are solid options with affordable MFH properties and growth potential. Consider spending some time in these areas to get a feel for the market and see if you'd enjoy living there.

 you ever dealt with ground up non owner occupied construction loans? 

Quote from @Preston Maddock:

Hi BP Community -- I am looking to do my first deal in Columbus, OH and would love to meet with some agents and local pros that would like to help me get started. Although I'm open to all opportunities, I'm currently looking to acquire, renovate, and rent out a single-family or small multi-family property as my first project. Please reply with your information and I will follow up for coffee or a zoom! Thank you.

 used to be in flips and existing inventory, transitioned to new builds and all ground up and land entitlement which you have full control over. new construction sells at a premium, high demand. have you looked into it? always a text or call away