New to investing, looking to leverage construction experience and RE License
Steve WarrenPro Member
Member since 2026 · 9 posts · 4 votesHey everyone,
I'm interested in getting started in real estate investing. I am thinking about house flipping to get started. Eventually I would like to build a duplex and house hack with STR in the area.
I have been in the building trades for about 35 years, most of it in the finishing - drywall, trim carpentry, painting, tile, etc. So I feel comfortable with light remodel or new construction - at least managing it up to dry-in and then finishing it on my own.
I know I have a lot to learn, so eager to pick your brains along the way. I have just finished the Real Estate License course for New York, I am going to schedule the test next week before being eligible for a license. I am hoping that will at least open access to early deals and help with networking.
Looking forward to the journey.
Welcome to investing. The fact that you are looking to leverage your construction experience already puts you ahead of many new investors. That background gives you a real understanding of costs, timelines, scope of work, and potential risks. Many beginners underestimate rehab budgets or project management challenges, so having hands-on construction knowledge is a strong advantage.
If you are considering getting re-licensed, that can also be a smart move. Being licensed can give you better access to deals, stronger networking opportunities with agents and lenders, and an added layer of credibility as you grow your investing business. It can also help you better understand contracts, disclosures, and how transactions move from start to finish.
As you begin, try to treat your first few deals as part of your education rather than focusing only on profit. Even with construction experience, underwriting rental returns, understanding financing structures, and managing risk all take practice. The early deals are where you refine your process and build confidence.
It is also important to align your financing strategy from the beginning. Construction knowledge helps you estimate hard costs accurately, but lenders will still want detailed scopes of work, solid contractor bids, realistic timelines, and a clearly defined exit strategy such as holding, selling, or refinancing. The more organized and structured your numbers are upfront, the smoother the financing process will be.
Getting your real estate license is definetely a smart move to get a leg up on the competition!
I always wanted an RE license for the same exact reasons but I went the MLO route. Lol So I have the inside scoop on current loan products and options if you ever want to pick my brain there. I also have a construction background. Its good we have that to fall back on.
I always wanted an RE license for the same exact reasons but I went the MLO route. Lol So I have the inside scoop on current loan products and options if you ever want to pick my brain there. I also have a construction background. Its good we have that to fall back on.
Thank you William. I will definitely pick your brain as I'm exploring properties. It will be helpful to have someone with complementary knowledge of the financing side along with a construction background!
Welcome to investing. The fact that you are looking to leverage your construction experience already puts you ahead of many new investors. That background gives you a real understanding of costs, timelines, scope of work, and potential risks. Many beginners underestimate rehab budgets or project management challenges, so having hands-on construction knowledge is a strong advantage.
If you are considering getting re-licensed, that can also be a smart move. Being licensed can give you better access to deals, stronger networking opportunities with agents and lenders, and an added layer of credibility as you grow your investing business. It can also help you better understand contracts, disclosures, and how transactions move from start to finish.
As you begin, try to treat your first few deals as part of your education rather than focusing only on profit. Even with construction experience, underwriting rental returns, understanding financing structures, and managing risk all take practice. The early deals are where you refine your process and build confidence.
It is also important to align your financing strategy from the beginning. Construction knowledge helps you estimate hard costs accurately, but lenders will still want detailed scopes of work, solid contractor bids, realistic timelines, and a clearly defined exit strategy such as holding, selling, or refinancing. The more organized and structured your numbers are upfront, the smoother the financing process will be.
Welcome to investing. The fact that you are looking to leverage your construction experience already puts you ahead of many new investors. That background gives you a real understanding of costs, timelines, scope of work, and potential risks. Many beginners underestimate rehab budgets or project management challenges, so having hands-on construction knowledge is a strong advantage.
If you are considering getting re-licensed, that can also be a smart move. Being licensed can give you better access to deals, stronger networking opportunities with agents and lenders, and an added layer of credibility as you grow your investing business. It can also help you better understand contracts, disclosures, and how transactions move from start to finish.
As you begin, try to treat your first few deals as part of your education rather than focusing only on profit. Even with construction experience, underwriting rental returns, understanding financing structures, and managing risk all take practice. The early deals are where you refine your process and build confidence.
It is also important to align your financing strategy from the beginning. Construction knowledge helps you estimate hard costs accurately, but lenders will still want detailed scopes of work, solid contractor bids, realistic timelines, and a clearly defined exit strategy such as holding, selling, or refinancing. The more organized and structured your numbers are upfront, the smoother the financing process will be.
Thank you Ebonie! I appreciate the perspective and I agree that I will need to include the financing plan from the very early stages.
And I approach most things as a student. Hopefully I can avoid critical mistakes. But I know that the best education is going to be by getting hands-on experience.