As a landlord I look to learn more about flipping and the challenges of finding and keeping good contractors, what makes a good wholesaler, etc.It probably would be a good idea to prepare a list of you feel you might need some help with.

I had a contractor do 10k plus worth of labor for me on several different properties.

What are some things to be on the lookout for when dealing with contractors?

You can have a general contractor bid, or you can have bids for area's of specialty such as the roof, furnace, windows, etc.

My contractor says he never paints the garage when doing rehabs.

I had some gutters damaged by a hail storm last year, the insurancae company paid about $4.50 a linear foot, prices I heard ran from $4.50 to around $6.50 a linear foot, according to the contractor and the type of gutter used (this is in Dallas)

Let's quit the word games and personal attacks.Stop making these accusatory comments at me.It's wasted space.Let's stay on the subject of the topic.You seem like you are frustrated with trying to buy an REO property and trying to direct it at me.It's simple.If you are a cash buyer then show the REO broker you are serious.Show them proof of funds valid within the last 30 days from your bank account.If you are using hard money then that is different from cash and subject to the appraisal and valuation the hard money lender wants.If your boyfriend is a contractor then maybe you can save on a home inspection and do it yourself.The REO brokers loyalty lies with the asset manager and the company they get listings from.Again if you are buying one property the REO broker is usually not going to work hard to get that accepted unless it's at asking or above.The bank is possibly giving 20 or more properties a year to the REO broker.

Your contractor or someone knowledgeable should be able to get a good idea from a visual inspection.

If you have great recommendations for contractors, licensed subs, bird dogs, reo agents for listings and offers, etc... please let us know.

I am an hvac contractor in Richmond va and depending on your climate you also might consider disgaurding the system all together and installing a heat pump so it is included in the electric bill and is one less thing you have to worry about.