First investment deal underway, looking for contractors! (downtown Gilbert, AZ)

Realtor · Tempe, AZ · Member since 2026 · 14 posts · 10 votes

Hi all,

I am a realtor and just went under contract on a 5 bed, 2 bath 1980s home near downtown Gilbert. The goal is to turn it into a STR.

I'm turning to my Bigger Pockets community in case anyone has a stellar investor-friendly contractor they recommend.

To be transparent, I already have two quotes, but I haven't worked with either contractor. I'd love recommendations from someone who has been down this path before!

Thanks!

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Investor-friendly agents in Gilbert, AZ

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John UnderwoodPro Member

Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes

3mo

Quote from @Mike Grudzien:

Well, it's kind of a long shot, asking for a specific recommendation, in a specific local market on a national forum......
If you're a local realtor in the local market in question, don't you already have a contact list and local network???

Agreed.

You should contact local sources such as FB groups for your area.

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Mike GrudzienPro Member
Lender · Eugene, OR · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
3mo
Well, it's kind of a long shot, asking for a specific recommendation, in a specific local market on a national forum......
If you're a local realtor in the local market in question, don't you already have a contact list and local network???
1 Reply
- John UnderwoodPro Member
  Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
  3mo
  Quote from @Mike Grudzien:
  
  Well, it's kind of a long shot, asking for a specific recommendation, in a specific local market on a national forum......
  If you're a local realtor in the local market in question, don't you already have a contact list and local network???
  
  Agreed.
  You should contact local sources such as FB groups for your area.
  2 Reply
Garrett BrownPro Member
Rental Property Investor · Houston, TX · Member since 2024 · 519 posts · 557 votes
3mo
Local facebook groups for that area will be gold for you here. Also, probably some STR owner Arizona based facebook groups that could help. Good luck!
[email protected]
1 Reply
Mark Kelly
Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2016 · 1 post · 0 votes
3mo
Quote from @Jackson Haney:

Hi all,

I am a realtor and just went under contract on a 5 bed, 2 bath 1980s home near downtown Gilbert. The goal is to turn it into a STR.

I'm turning to my Bigger Pockets community in case anyone has a stellar investor-friendly contractor they recommend.

To be transparent, I already have two quotes, but I haven't worked with either contractor. I'd love recommendations from someone who has been down this path before!

Thanks!

I’ve worked with Gable Family Builders on two large projects for my primary residence and cannot recommend them highly enough.
0 Reply
- Jackson Haney
  OP
  Realtor · Tempe, AZ · Member since 2026 · 14 posts · 10 votes
  3mo
  Quote from @Mark Kelly:
  
  Quote from @Jackson Haney:
  
  Hi all,
  
  I am a realtor and just went under contract on a 5 bed, 2 bath 1980s home near downtown Gilbert. The goal is to turn it into a STR.
  
  I'm turning to my Bigger Pockets community in case anyone has a stellar investor-friendly contractor they recommend.
  
  To be transparent, I already have two quotes, but I haven't worked with either contractor. I'd love recommendations from someone who has been down this path before!
  
  Thanks!
  
  I’ve worked with Gable Family Builders on two large projects for my primary residence and cannot recommend them highly enough.
  
  Thanks, Mark! I just reached out to them. Looks like they do great work.
  0 Reply
Michael BaumPro Member
Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
3mo
Hey @Jackson Haney, ping @Bruce Woodruff. He is a former contractor down that way, sorta...
He might know of a few folks. He is a good dude.
1 Reply
Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
3mo
As noted above local FB host groups, also local flippers may have some recommendations. You can also connect with contractors using services like Angi, Thumbtack, etc.
[email protected]813-563-0877
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Ashish AcharyaBusiness Member
CPA, CFP®, PFS · Sarasota, FL · Member since 2017 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
2mo
Jackson, congrats on getting your first deal under contract. Since the goal is to turn this Gilbert property into an STR, I'd use the contractor search as part of the overall investment plan, not just a renovation decision.

With two quotes already in hand, I’d compare the scope line by line, not just the total price. Make sure each contractor is pricing the same work, materials, permits, cleanup, payment schedule, and completion timeline. I’d also verify the contractor through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and speak with recent investor clients before signing anything. Arizona’s ROC specifically recommends checking contractor licensing before hiring.

Also make sure the STR side is cleared before spending heavily on the renovation. Gilbert currently requires a short-term rental license, an Arizona TPT license, Maricopa County registration, and neighbor notification. HOA or CC&R restrictions can also still limit STR use even though Gilbert allows short-term rentals generally.

On the tax side, track the rehab in detail from day one. Separate appliances, furnishings, flooring, land improvements, building work, and other components because they may receive different depreciation treatment. Once the property is placed in service, I’d evaluate cost segregation to see whether some of those costs can be depreciated faster.

Since this will be an STR, the next question is whether the accelerated losses are actually usable. Average guest stay and your level of material participation can affect whether the activity is passive or nonpassive, so keep good participation records from the beginning.

Happy to connect!
[email protected]941-914-7779
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Shiloh LundahlPro Member
Rental Property Investor · Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
2mo
Hey @Jackson Haney, I am in Gilbert. I have crews and I know of other investors with crews. What is the scope of work that you are planning on doing? Feel free to send me a private message if you would like and we can connect. I host a local free meetup once a month in the area and it is a great place to network with other investors and share info.
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Matthew Tregoning
Property Manager · Melbourne, FL · Member since 2019 · 561 posts · 194 votes
2w
Did you end up choosing a contractor for the Gilbert house? Curious whether getting the five bedrooms ready or setting up the laundry and storage for turnovers became the bigger project. Hope the first launch is coming together!
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