An article on the journal a month back talks about how Tesla is pulling in a lot of car design studios and parts suppliers into Fremont.

The biggest mistake we made was not having our materials suppliers in place, which took additional time.  

Yes you can get good pricing buying direct , especially when you are spending $100,000 to $ 200,000 a year at the supplier .

If you have an older owner who has let a property go down hill and wants out, maybe you could improve things to increase revenues.With a C-Store for example, you can change suppliers, run specials, add to the product lines, change how employees interact with customers, advertise, consolidate purchases with other stores and the list goes on to improve profits by management.

The problem in my state is that the supplier can file a lein.

But a note, nothing your gc signs can prevent subs/suppliers from filing liens if they follow proper procedures, and have not been paid.  

Check with the supplier that filled it, they may or may not do a buy back at a discount.

I too am looking for a decent supplier here in Atlanta for my flips.  

This post is to inform you that you can go to a specific supplier to purchase lock sets.

Realize that your biggest risk is from subs and suppliers that your GC doesn't pay.