Skip to content
Two investors reviewing resources on a laptop

Get industry-leading resources — for free

Unlock resources for every investing strategy and stage with a free account.

By continuing, you agree to BiggerPockets LLC's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Followed Discussions Followed Categories Followed People Followed Locations
Land & New Construction
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

User Stats

7
Posts
2
Votes
Travis Athougies
2
Votes |
7
Posts

YOLOing my first real estate development

Travis Athougies
Posted

Hello all,

I am a new real estate investor with one active and successful rental in inner Portland. I love it, and it's great, but I have wanted to get my hands messier with taking a more distressed property and improving it, and gaining the resulting equity. I am not completely new to this, I have worked extensively on my own home and know the basics of home repair, construction, etc, but I am by no means a skilled tradesman. I am certainly not well acquainted with new construction.

The one thing I do have is money, and an itch to do something on the side. So, with the usual bravado of a new real estate investor, I bid on and successfully got under contract a lot in inner eastside Portland. It's near a bunch of hip new condos, apartments, and restaurants, and I knew it when I saw it that it had good potential. I live in the area and know where it's going. I'm definitely an intuitive investor. All my real estate purchases thus far have been a series of showings where the feeling is not good, and then suddenly I see it and I want it. Well that's how it was with this lot. I saw it and I wanted it and new I will soon have bought it.

But that being said, now I have to figure out how actually to construct units on it, and to do it in the most cost efficient way possible. I have my financial models made from other developers I know who seem to have more experience, but I always think it's best to get the widest array of opinions possible. 

So with that being said, if you have experience in real estate development, and want a free coffee or lunch, please reach out. I want to talk to as many people as possible to figure out how I can avoid common mistakes, build a good product, and be successful in this venture. You really have nothing to lose on this offer. Anyone with any experience or relevant professional background, please come at me!

Loading replies...