Buying Distressed Properties

[Samuel Joshua]

I was just wondering if I was the only one that was having a hard time looking at a distressed property and actually visualizing the renovation or "make over" sort of speak. I think that maybe I just don't possess the designer gene or is this something that can be learned (I'm sure it can be learned).  I'm also sure there are books, blogs, or maybe youtube channels that can help. Do most investors hire other people for this (understand that may put a dent in your bottom line) or do they just take on partners who do possess the "gene", or is this just something that you learn through experience (trial and error). I'm just looking for any feedback, recommendations or best practices, thank you.  

[Brian Schmelzlen]

You definitely are not alone.  I am horrible at visualizing how a property can look after renovations, even when it is described to me.  I suspect that people can start to develop that skill just by doing enough flips.

You have options in the meantime.  One is to hire someone to fill that role.  Obviously that will be an expense that you will have to incorporate into what you can offer for the property.  Another option is to partner up with someone who has that skill.