Family business - licensed - bonded and insured - references - All cash as is no settlement costs -  or commission - call for an offer.Charles Parrish

I know you have to get bonded, but how does that work, how much money is needed, and how could I partner up with him to potentially get into this side of the construction.I know this is a bit broad, but I want to get into these business areas but do not want to run a construction company myself as my job.

Right now, I'm much closer to 80% stocks vs real estate (and some bonds).

But now I'm rambling...And banks still pay squat in for a checking/money market account and very few people want to lock their money up in bonds

General Contractor; by hiring licensed and bonded professionals who come highly recommended you begin to pass off the labor issues back to the lower earning wage scales so that you can get back to finding more good deals.Note: One trick to getting good workers and companies is to ask appraisers who they would recommend for certain jobs if they needed work done.

If you will be seeking residential financing vs commercial financing, then your strategy in terms of strengthening your business financials vs your personal side may help to guide your decision.  

The building department identified a number of violations in their pre-close inspection and I intend to post a bond to allow me to do the repairs after the closing.

Though my brothers still live where it's sunny today, I’ve chosen to stay here in Indy—its just home nowJIn retirement, I feel I have my bond and stock portfolio in order (generating all my income now) and I’d like to start developing a real estate portfolio here in Indy.

I've been focused primarily on building traditional sales team and not large scale investing though, so if you are preferring majority of income from flipping/wholesaling it might be equally beneficial to develop a bond with a realtor you trust and work out a fair commission.  

James, as you start connecting with contractors here in Spokane, make sure they are licensed, bonded and insured.