All Forum Posts by: Scott Shumard

Hi Peter,

Thank you for the advice—I really appreciate it! Networking at local meetups and connecting with agents who work with investors sounds like a great strategy. I’ll definitely make that a priority as I build my team.

I also appreciate your point about using different contractors based on the scope of work. That’s a helpful perspective as I plan out my projects.

Thanks again for sharing your insights!

Hello everyone,

I’m expanding into the Chattanooga market and looking to connect with experienced professionals to help with upcoming projects. Specifically:

1. Licensed and Insured Contractors:
   • Strong experience in fix-and-flip projects is preferred.
   • Proven track record for meeting deadlines and staying within budget.
   • Interested in building a long-term working relationship.
2. Real Estate Agents:
   • Knowledgeable about properties in Chattanooga and surrounding areas.
   • Skilled in identifying high ROI opportunities for fix-and-flip projects.
   • Open to partnering with an investor for repeat business.

If you or someone you know is a great fit, please comment below or send me a direct message. I’m eager to connect with like-minded professionals and make great deals happen!

Hi @Nicholas L.,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful response and recommendations! I really appreciate the insight and guidance, especially about attending meetups and connecting with successful investors in my area.

I’ll definitely take your advice to heart and start looking for meetups. By any chance, do you know of any meetups or groups in the southern Tennessee area? I’d love to connect with like-minded investors locally and learn more about their experiences with HMLs.

Thanks again for your time and help!

I'm a first-time fix-and-flipper considering working with Investor's Edge. My main concern is whether it's hard to meet their criteria for properties and secure funding. Has anyone worked with them before? What was your experience like—any challenges, advice, or things I should watch out for? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated

Hi Tim,

Thank you for your thoughtful response—it really resonates with me. I completely understand the hesitancy about partnerships, especially after seeing how they can go wrong. However, I also recognize the potential benefits of having a strong partnership, as you've mentioned.

I am open to partnering, but it would need to be with someone who shares similar interests and goals, so we can both benefit from deals and possibly build a foundation for future collaborations. That said, I’m naturally cautious and taking my time to vet potential partners to ensure we’re aligned.

I’ve been speaking with several lenders recently and am even working out possible funding with a local small bank. Fingers crossed that things align, but I’m still open to hearing from others who might be interested in collaborating.

Thanks again for sharing your experience—it’s always helpful to hear from those who’ve been through it!

Thank you for your advice, Jay—I truly appreciate your perspective. Unfortunately, I don’t have family I can turn to for help, so I’ve been trying to navigate this on my own while building relationships in the real estate community.

Do you happen to have any experience with or insight into Investors Edge? They’ve approved me for funding, but I’ve heard mixed feedback, particularly regarding their criteria and upfront costs. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

Hello Investors,

I'm Scott, a motivated first-time fix-and-flipper based in Southern Tennessee, actively searching for a private money lender or partner to help bring my first project to life. I have identified several promising properties with strong ARV potential and am eager to start the journey.

What I Bring to the Table:

• Hands-on experience in remodeling and project management.
• Collaboration with an experienced broker to evaluate deals and ensure profitability.
• A highly motivated mindset and a commitment to success.

What I’m Looking For:

• Private money lenders or investors willing to finance a profitable project.
• Partners interested in a joint venture, sharing profits, and mentoring me through my first flip.

This is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate and make an impact while minimizing risks. If you’re open to discussing a potential partnership or providing funding, I’d love to connect.

Feel free to email me at [email protected] or message me here on BiggerPockets to explore how we can work together!

Looking forward to connecting!

Best regards,
Scott Shumard

Hi Charlice,

I came across your post and wanted to reach out. Your offering sounds like a fantastic opportunity for someone like me who is eager to get started in real estate investing with minimal upfront costs. I have a strong credit score (760-785) and hands-on remodeling experience, and I’m based in Southern Tennessee. I’m highly motivated and confident in my ability to manage projects effectively while ensuring timelines and budgets are met.

My only concern is that your post was updated 5 months ago. Are you still actively looking for investors to partner with? If so, I’d love to discuss how we might collaborate on a project. I’ve identified a few potential deals in my area that could align with your criteria.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best regards,
Scott Shumard
[email protected]

Thank you both for your thoughtful responses—your insights are incredibly helpful and give me a lot to think about as I navigate this process.

@Stuart Udis
I completely understand your points about liquidity and the risks involved with highly leveraged construction loans, especially for someone new to flipping. I’ve been trying to balance my enthusiasm with the reality of what lenders are looking for, and your feedback has reinforced the importance of having more cash reserves. Partnering or getting involved in someone else’s rehab project to gain hands-on experience sounds like an excellent path to explore, and I’ll definitely start looking for opportunities to do that.

@Chris Seveney
Thank you for your perspective on managing renovations. You’re absolutely right—it’s a massive undertaking, and I don’t want to underestimate the time commitment required. My wife and I both have stable, full-time jobs, so I’d need to plan carefully to make sure I can manage everything effectively. Your suggestion about partnering with someone more experienced and taking a smaller piece of the deal for the learning curve is something I’ll strongly consider.

On another note, have either of you heard of or have any input on Investors Edge? They’ve said they’d work with me, but they require about $10k to get started, which includes upfront fees and package payments. While they seem willing to finance up to 100% of the project, the upfront cost feels like a big leap for someone in my position. I’d value your thoughts or advice about working with them or similar programs.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice—it’s much appreciated! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed response—I really appreciate the insight and honesty. To answer your question, no, I am not a licensed contractor, but I do have hands-on experience with remodeling and would be overseeing the renovation myself. I also have a reliable and experienced contractor lined up to handle the work.

I completely understand your point about lenders needing trust, especially when working with someone new to flipping. That’s why I’m being methodical in my approach, ensuring I don’t overextend myself. I have a strong credit score (760-785), stable full-time income with my wife, and I’m carefully vetting financing options. I’m also committed to learning and mitigating risks as much as possible.

Your mention of unexpected issues and having reserves really hits home—it's a reality I’m taking seriously. While I’ve considered partnerships, I want to see how far I can go on my own for this first project. That said, I’m open to the idea of finding a partner if it’s the right fit.

Thank you again for sharing your experience—it's extremely helpful as I move forward. Any further advice for someone in my position would be greatly appreciated!