All Forum Posts by: Tony Robinson

@Manolo D. Thanks for your input. I actually already found two contractors that were willing to give me an estimate on the repair costs. So it must be a preference that varies from one contractor to another. 

@Todd Fithian Thanks for the input! I'm actually not far from Riverside, so once I start investing in SoCal, I'll be sure to reach to out. 

Thanks for the referral James Moore ! I just gave them a call and we're trying to have them come see the property next week.

Matt Katsaris The realtor has dealt with several OOS investors in the past. I don't know if his contractor referral has dealt with OOS clients before though. It's a good question to ask. My goal is to flip this house. And thank you for the detailed response Matt! With this being my first property, I really want to make sure my numbers are as tight as possible going in. Thanks!

Hey James Moore , My agent's name is Craig Falbaum. And I actually don't have the name of the contractor that he's referring. I just found a contractor through Thumbtack, his name is Jon Worley of Affordable Construction Services. Are you familiar with either of them? Also, do you have a contractor that you could refer? Thanks!

Thanks for the quick response Matt! To answer your questions: 

• How'd you pick this market, have you been there, do you understand it? - My mother just recently retired and moved to Shreveport. She bought a fixer-upper and is now living in it with about $25k in equity. 
• How'd you find this agent? - A referral from the mortgage specialist my mom worked with
• What's your background? - First time investor. My day job is in Supply Chain

I'm a little more comfortable going OOS because my mom and step-dad are in Shreveport to help oversee the process. Plus, they JUST went through everything I'm going through with their own home, so they've been able to help navigate the process. 

But to clarify your suggestion, you're saying you would get multiple bids before you make your offer right? 

Thanks! 

Hey All! 

So I'm looking at purchasing my first investment property. Here's the thing though, I live in the California, the investment property is in Shreveport, Louisiana. 

I'm working with an Agent out there, and he has a contractor that he's recommending. But I want to make sure that I'm getting the best return on my money. 

My big question is, how do you get the most accurate rehab costs before you purchase a property? Do you have multiple contractors come out and bid on the work before you close? 

Do you have one contractor come out and give you an estimate, and then once you close on the property, do you have more contractors come out to make additional bids? 

Any help would be GREEAAAATLY appreciated!