During my time away, I’ve explored different brokerages to hang my license, and I’m proud to share that I’ve now opened my own firm here in the Bay Area!

I started a new post asking people's thoughts about insurance costs in your local area and specifically costs to rebuild and other challenges:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/95/topics/1227051-insur...

Here are a few to watch out for:Property Condition: Most distressed properties need extensive repairs or renovations, which add to your initial investment.Competitive Market: With Phoenix's popularity among investors, competition for the best deals can be intense.Complex Deals: Foreclosures, auctions, or short sales are much more complicated compared to regular real estate transactions and usually require specialized knowledge.Tips to Successfully Navigate the MarketDo Your Research: Understand the local market conditions, including neighborhood trends, property values, and potential rental income.Build a Strong Network: Work with professionals who specialize in distressed properties-such as brokers, contractors, and legal experts-to make the best decisions.Assess Costs Carefully: Factor in the cost of repairs, holding costs, and any potential financing issues when evaluating a property’s profitability.Be Patient: Finding the right distressed property takes time.

The process from start to finish would take four months and cost ~200k to build, with comps in the area around 355k-lender man said, refinancing would take six months as most lenders wont refinance a property unless its been built for six months, affecting the strategy to get paid out from refinancing quicker and closing out on construction loan-The property would not appraise at comps value, but at the cost it took to build, affecting getting paid out from the refinance.

Water is a lienable utility here so I would minimize putting the bill in the tenant's hands unless you're certain that it will be paid.If you need a plumber in the Wilkes-Barre area I'd recommend Billy Smith of No B.S.

How to track potential growth in an area to see if a lot is viable for purchase and building spec homes on etc. 

And I will state different jurisdictions have different rules, processes, expectations, etc.In my area you are required to have a permit to swap a water heater.

They should be bale to guide you more based on what you are looking for in the area. 

Otherwise they are as good as you calling a bunch of lenders to do your deal.

I'm a new investor in the market, I'm looking for reliable GCs in the area!