5 Key Tips for New House Flippers

5 Key Tips for New House Flippers

San Antonio · Member since 2025 · 25 posts · 17 votes

Jumping into your first house flip? Here are five crucial tips to help you stay profitable and avoid costly mistakes:

  1. Buy Smart, Not Just Cheap – In today’s market, finding deep discounts is tough, but focusing on properties with value-add potential is key. Look for homes where strategic renovations will create the biggest equity boost.
  2. Leverage Hard Money Loans (HML) – Don’t let lack of capital hold you back. Hard money loans can help fund your purchase and rehab costs, allowing you to scale faster. Just be sure to factor in interest rates and fees when running your numbers.
  3. Know Your Numbers – Accurately estimate rehab costs, holding costs, and selling expenses. A miscalculation can eat up your profits fast.
  4. Speed is Key – The longer you hold the property, the more you pay in interest, taxes, and utilities. Have a solid rehab plan and execution strategy.
  5. Expect the Unexpected – Always have a contingency fund (10-15% of your budget) for those surprise repairs.

Flipping can be a game-changer if done right. Have you used HML for your flips? Share your experiences in the comments.
 

If you'd like help understanding your REI potential lets connect!

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Andy SabischPro Member
Investor · Jackson, MS · Member since 2021 · 657 posts · 559 votes
1y

Hard Money loans have been the downfall of many new investors.  The fees and overall costs of these loans needs to be a key factor including what if the project goes over time . . . . you can be underwater in no time.

Underestimating repair costs and overestimating ARVs based on Zestimates are the next stumbling block.

There's money to be made but make sure numbers all work WITH contingencies defined and overages expected . . . remember, a project will always cost more and take longer than initially thought!

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  • Andy SabischPro Member
    Investor · Jackson, MS · Member since 2021 · 657 posts · 559 votes
    1y

    Hard Money loans have been the downfall of many new investors.  The fees and overall costs of these loans needs to be a key factor including what if the project goes over time . . . . you can be underwater in no time.

    Underestimating repair costs and overestimating ARVs based on Zestimates are the next stumbling block.

    There's money to be made but make sure numbers all work WITH contingencies defined and overages expected . . . remember, a project will always cost more and take longer than initially thought!

  • San Antonio · Member since 2025 · 25 posts · 17 votes
    1y

    Awesome feedback Andy! I agree! 

    HMMLs have been stepping stones for many successful flippers as well. Understanding the terms, qualifications, and overall structure is crucial—after all, a loan is a loan, and knowing how to leverage it properly makes all the difference.

    As for Zillow, IMO, one should never use it for ARV. Zillow's estimates rely on automated algorithms that often fail to account for property condition, specific neighborhood trends, and real-time market shifts. They don't factor in the quality of renovations or unique property features, which are critical when determining a true ARV. Instead, relying on recent comparable sales (comps) from MLS, local realtors, or an appraiser will give a far more accurate picture of a property's post-rehab value.

    Any Advice you wish you knew when you started? 

  • Contractor · San Antonio, TX · Member since 2018 · 2 posts · 0 votes
    1y
  • Peter MckernanBusiness Member
    Residential Real Estate Agent · Irvine, CA · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    Great info!! This is something a lot of people need to read going into flipping.. One thing I would mention in here is to know the numbers but know the ARV.. This gets people burned too many times by getting comps from a wholesaler, believing the comps, and then trying to sell it at that outprice that the wholesaler/bad agent gave is a huge miscalculation. Really the person that is going into the flipping game should know the market very well to do these comps on their own, and back it up by asking their trusted real estate agent/professional for confirmation. Two set of eyes are better than one!

    The McKernan Group4.957 Reviews
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