How much should we know about actual real estate to invest in it?

[Ben Feder]

How much should we know about the physical aspect to real estate such as the structure, carpeting, walls, plumbing, style, etc. before investing? And how do we know about how to improve real estate (rehabbing) if we don't know much about these things?

[Account Closed]

Originally posted by @Ben Feder:

@Mike M. The question is how much is considered a fair amount of knowledge? And should we get a designer before hiring a contractor so they can tell us what things should look like and what needs to get done before paying someone to actually get something done?

 You don't need a designer.

You need to go to "Opens" and you need to look on websites like Redfin.com, Trulia.com, Realtor.com and see the level of finish. Then you need to find a property that allows you to improve it to that level and still make money. It can be pretty tricky. If I was just starting out I'd do a joint venture with a successful flipper in your area. There is no replacement for experience.