One week ago I made the decision to leave my W2 job and pursue a position as an independent contractor, full-time investment mortgage broker.

Since we are doing similar projects I'd love to chat and compare notes and see where we can help each other out with GCs and sub contractors. 

It's rare for tenants to pay their own heat in NYC (it does happen in newer buildings, though I'd be surprised if a brand new 2 unit in Queens would be going for 400K), but even assuming they do, you need to pay for electric in common areas and I've never heard of a tenant paying water in NYC.

I was wondering how to go about finding good contractors.

If in theory this project is brand new with separate meters, intact plumbing, electrical boxes etc. still only 2 unit building, should the process be straight forward?

It doesn't have heat or a/c but the electrical was updated 3 years ago and the owner/occupier of the property has made a few improvements including siding, paint, wood rot replacement, electrical.

In the past people that I have worked with more or less ask for forgiveness, this is a risky step and would only advise with a good local architect and contractor willing because it also makes them look bad.

Hello BP,I’m a first time investor who’s looking for an understanding of the timeline on when to get in touch with a lender and a contractor.

My experience in the past with Property Management is that I take all the risk and they get rich by hiring their brother and other contractors who charge 80% more that I could get it done for. 

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that James has spent money on a team, marketing, keeps contractors (or employs them directly) busy, etc.