I was the painter- Poetic or stupid only time will tell.All of my rehab experience had been with my uncle/business partner for the previous 2-3 years and I had just demolished that relationship and taken my half of the funds, didn't feel we were truly living up to our potential.

I've already built my own .xlsx for crunching numbers (CAP, CCR, NOI, Returns, Mortgage, expenses, etc...) to evaluate a property.If it helps in your feedback, my short term targets are going to be 4-plexes in need of minor rehab or already occupied.I have my painter, HVAC, and Buyers Agent lined up.

Painters?

The one person that I see making good money right now is the sign painters who make the "PRICE REDUCED" and "NEW PRICE" signs that are stuck on just about every Realtor's signs that we saw.I think I'll sit on my money until the first of the year or so!

Hire a painter.

I would say RE investing was always a plan(dream) of mine even as a kid i was on jobs with my dad he was a painter/carpenter and would let me help paint or hammer around because i loved the job site.

Even if you put in cheaper carpet, it will cost you around $5,000 and if you hire painters, it will be at least $5,000 to paint it.""

Suggestion:- 30% down on purchase/renovation costs (minimum)- 8.5 - 9.5% interest rate- 15 year am"It's just like a contractor doing a job.I can go out and find someone quick to paint my apartment unit for 500 OR I can take some time to find a painter that I can get to work for 75.00 a unit that does a good job.I believe finance is the same way in that there is a bunch of money wanting to lend at rates and conditions that are not attractive to a buyer.So you have to find a lender willing to take less than the majority so you have an advantage.A question I have thought about is would you target one really wealthy investor or a bunch of smaller loan investors??

Here's was my Pre-Purchase Checklist when I first started:Upon Contract AcceptanceEnsure Access to Property: * Make Copy of Property Key(s) * Purchase New Lockbox * Place Key(s) in Lockbox and Install at Property (hidden)If Certified Funds are Required for EM: * Get Certified Funds for EM from Bank * Submit Certified Funds to AgentIf Financing the Purchase: * Send Contract to Loan Officer * Provide Loan Officer Property Info * Connect Loan Officer with RE Agent Info * Have Loan Officer Schedule Appraisal * Make sure Loan Officer Knows Anticipated Closing DateDue DiligenceInspections: * Turn On Utilities for Inspection (water, gas, electric) * Schedule Termite Inspection * Schedule Property Inspection * Attend Inspection and Take Notes for “Scope of Work” * Get Final Inspection Report and Review for “Scope of Work” * Get Termite Letter/Pest Inspection ReportContractor Prep: * Create Scope of Work * Create Materials List * Determine Which Contractors Are Needed: * GC * HVAC * Roofer * Electrician * Plumber * Pest/Termite Control * Painter * Landscaper * Carpenter * Schedule GC Walk-Through(s) * Get Contractor QuotesPurchase Decision: * Perform Final Financial Analysis Using Estimates/Quotes * Perform Both Flip and Rental Analysis * Make Go/No-Go Decision on PurchaseUpon Contingency FinalizationFinal Purchase Prep: * Get Closing Date from Lender/Agent * Arrange Landlord Insurance Policy * If Financing, Connect Insurance Agent with Loan Officer * Follow-Up on Appraisal with Lender * Choose a General Contractor * Choose Sub-Contractors (if no GC) * Determine Exit Strategy * Create Rehab Schedule (if no GC) * Create Final BudgetPrior to ClosingFinal Loan and Closing Prep: * Obtain and Review HUD-1 * Obtain and Review GFE (if financing) * Ensure Loan is Ready for Closing (if financing) * Get Certified Funds for Closing * Determine How to Hold Title * Get Partnership Agreement Documents Signed (if partnering)Upon ClosingDay of Closing: * Get Keys * Change Property Tax Records to Home Address * Get GC and Sub Contracts/Docs Signed * Arrange GC and Sub Start Dates

I'm told this tenant has complained about cutting the grass, giving access to the apartment and painters working outside - he's been a jerk.Neither of the tenants pay on time, though the previous landlord didn't seem to care.