Advice on a Deal

Advice on a Deal

New to Real Estate · Columbus, GA · Member since 2025 · 38 posts · 18 votes

I’m close to locking up a potential fix & flip deal here in Columbus, GA, and I’d love some feedback from experienced investors before I move forward.

Property Details:

  • 4 Bed / 3.5 Bath

  • Purchase Price: $275,000

  • ARV: $360,000 (based on comps within the last 3–6 months)

  • Estimated Rehab: $15,000–$25,000
    Mostly cosmetic: paint, flooring touch-ups, fixtures, landscaping, and minor updates depending on inspection.

  • Seller claims the property will be delivered free and clear (no mortgage or tax liens)

Current Condition:
The property is in good structural shape. Roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical appear solid based on my initial walkthrough. No visible foundation issues. Planning to get a full inspection once under contract.

My Background:
I’m newer to the fix & flip space but actively networking with agents and contractors. I'm building out a consistent deal pipeline focused on flips and future developments.

Numbers Breakdown (Rough):

  • Spread: ~$85,000

  • Rehab: $15k–$25k

  • Holding Costs: ~$1,500–$2,500/mo

  • Potential Profit: ~$40k–$55k before taxes, depending on rehab + financing terms

Looking for Community Insight:
Based on your experience, does this deal make sense at this price point and rehab level? Is the spread solid for a flip of this size? Would you push for a lower purchase price or move forward as-is? And what risks should I be paying close attention to before locking this up?

Thanks in advance for any insight!
— DeQuantay

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Peter MckernanBusiness Member
Residential Real Estate Agent · Irvine, CA · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
10mo
Quote from @Jaycee Greene:

 Holding costs without rehab hold costs.. 10.9%.. Should be $20,233.13 for 9 months 

The McKernan Group4.957 Reviews
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  • Jaycee GreenePro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · St. Louis MSA · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 727 votes
    10mo
    Quote from @DeQuantay McDowell:

    I’m close to locking up a potential fix & flip deal here in Columbus, GA, and I’d love some feedback from experienced investors before I move forward.

    Property Details:

    • 4 Bed / 3.5 Bath

    • Purchase Price: $275,000

    • ARV: $360,000 (based on comps within the last 3–6 months)

    • Estimated Rehab: $15,000–$25,000
      Mostly cosmetic: paint, flooring touch-ups, fixtures, landscaping, and minor updates depending on inspection.

    • Seller claims the property will be delivered free and clear (no mortgage or tax liens)

    Current Condition:
    The property is in good structural shape. Roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical appear solid based on my initial walkthrough. No visible foundation issues. Planning to get a full inspection once under contract.

    My Background:
    I’m newer to the fix & flip space but actively networking with agents and contractors. I'm building out a consistent deal pipeline focused on flips and future developments.

    Numbers Breakdown (Rough):

    • Spread: ~$85,000

    • Rehab: $15k–$25k

    • Holding Costs: ~$1,500–$2,500/mo

    • Potential Profit: ~$40k–$55k before taxes, depending on rehab + financing terms

    Looking for Community Insight:
    Based on your experience, does this deal make sense at this price point and rehab level? Is the spread solid for a flip of this size? Would you push for a lower purchase price or move forward as-is? And what risks should I be paying close attention to before locking this up?

    Thanks in advance for any insight!
    — DeQuantay

    Hey @DeQuantay McDowell, welcome to the BP Forum! How long do you think it's going to take to complete the "fix" (or rehab) and how long for the "flip" (to sell it)?

    Are you going to borrow any money for this project or do you have enough cash to pay for everything out of your pocket? If you're going to borrow, what are the terms?

    Also, what do you consider to be enough profit to be worth your time or effort? Do you look at a minimum total profit? A minimum profit per month?

    • New to Real Estate · Columbus, GA · Member since 2025 · 38 posts · 18 votes
      10mo

      @Jaycee Greene To rehab it will take 3-4 months (possibly less due to cosmetic rehab). I'm looking to flip 2 months after it's been listed on the MLS. Once I'm near the end of the rehab i will continuously look for buyers.
      The money will be borrowed from HML with therms being:

      • Interest Rate: up to 10.9%
      • Up to 3 points
      • LTC: 90%
      • LTV: 75%

      Im looking to use Gap funding or a JV for the difference in this deal. My minimum profit I'm considering is $30k after loans have been paid off.

    • Jaycee GreenePro Member
      Real Estate Consultant · St. Louis MSA · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 727 votes
      10mo
      Quote from @DeQuantay McDowell:

      @Jaycee Greene To rehab it will take 3-4 months (possibly less due to cosmetic rehab). I'm looking to flip 2 months after it's been listed on the MLS. Once I'm near the end of the rehab i will continuously look for buyers.
      The money will be borrowed from HML with therms being:

      • Interest Rate: up to 10.9%
      • Up to 3 points
      • LTC: 90%
      • LTV: 75%

      Im looking to use Gap funding or a JV for the difference in this deal. My minimum profit I'm considering is $30k after loans have been paid off.

       @DeQuantay McDowell Have you talked to someone that might be a JV partner? I'm calculating an ROI of around 18% and I'd be surprised if a non-relative JV partner would be all that interested in that kind of return. Just my 2 cents!

    • Peter MckernanBusiness Member
      Residential Real Estate Agent · Irvine, CA · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
      10mo

      Here are my numbers:

      $275,000 PP

      $2,269.00x 9 months (conservative): $20,421

      $21,600 selling fees

      $25,000 Rehab (conservative)

      $6,180 (points)

      $2,060 (closing fees on the purchase)

      $2,000 (insurance)

      $28,160 (profit) without holding costs for the rehab (8%)

      The McKernan Group4.957 Reviews
    • New to Real Estate · Columbus, GA · Member since 2025 · 38 posts · 18 votes
      10mo

      @Jaycee Greene I've attended an event this past week and brought the deal to investors, looking to follow up with them this week. What is a good ROI that investor would be good to partner with?

    • Jaycee GreenePro Member
      Real Estate Consultant · St. Louis MSA · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 727 votes
      10mo
      Quote from @DeQuantay McDowell:

      @Jaycee Greene I've attended an event this past week and brought the deal to investors, looking to follow up with them this week. What is a good ROI that investor would be good to partner with?

      @DeQuantay McDowell Everyone's different, but I'd guess it'd need to be 20%-25%, plus they get their money paid back first (before you get anything).

    • Jaycee GreenePro Member
      Real Estate Consultant · St. Louis MSA · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 727 votes
      10mo
      Quote from @Peter Mckernan:

      Here are my numbers:

      $275,000 PP

      $2,269.00x 9 months (conservative): $20,421

      $21,600 selling fees

      $25,000 Rehab (conservative)

      $6,180 (points)

      $2,060 (closing fees on the purchase)

      $2,000 (insurance)

      $28,160 (profit) without holding costs for the rehab (8%)

       @Peter Mckernan What does the 2nd line in your "my numbers" represent?

    • Peter MckernanBusiness Member
      Residential Real Estate Agent · Irvine, CA · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
      10mo
      Quote from @Jaycee Greene:

       Holding costs without rehab hold costs.. 10.9%.. Should be $20,233.13 for 9 months 

      The McKernan Group4.957 Reviews
    • New to Real Estate · Columbus, GA · Member since 2025 · 38 posts · 18 votes
      10mo

      @Jaycee Greene I will see what I can do to get a higher ROI. Thank you for your help and advice!

  • Real Estate Agent · Kansas City · Member since 2018 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    10mo

    Seems like a decent sized house so I am skeptical on the rehab. Are the bathrooms updated or do they need any updates (tile, faucets, shower, etc)? Does the kitchen have updated countertops/backsplash? Have you looked at comps around that 360K ARV? You mentioned flooring touch ups, what does it exactly need? I know it's not under contract yet but those small things especially on a 4/3 house will add up which can easily make the budget go over.

    • New to Real Estate · Columbus, GA · Member since 2025 · 38 posts · 18 votes
      10mo

      @Caleb Brown One bathroom just needs tile and the kitchen is updated the only thing that's need is a sink. Interior of the property has new carpets, painted walls new windows, etc. The important part of the rehab (biggest expense) is the backyard which I've got a quote for $10k which includes demolition, landscaping, and pool service with pool liner. The Rehab estimate is $15k-$20k with $5k set aside for unexpected costs.

  • Lender · Chicago, IL · Member since 2025 · 204 posts · 101 votes
    10mo
    Based on the information you have provided, this Columbus, GA flip could work, but only if your numbers hold up. The ARV at $360k is the biggest variable, so make sure your comps are truly similar in size, finishes, and location. Even a small drop in ARV can wipe out your margin. Your rehab estimate of $15k–$25k is on the low end for a 4 bed / 3.5 bath property unless it’s already very close to retail condition. Paint, partial flooring, three bathrooms, fixtures, landscaping, and inspection-required repairs can easily push a cosmetic project closer to $30k+. If that happens, your profit shrinks fast. Holding costs look reasonable, but Columbus isn’t a hyper-fast market like Atlanta—plan for a 4–6 month total timeline from closing to resale. Your projected profit of $40k–$55k is acceptable for a beginner flip, but it’s right on the borderline. Many experienced investors prefer a larger cushion. Most flippers would try to negotiate the purchase price down to around $255k–$265k to create more breathing room. A small discount gives you protection if rehab increases or the ARV softens. Before locking it up, get a contractor walkthrough with an actual bid, confirm your title is clean, and verify financing terms so you know the real carrying costs. After going under contract, inspections will tell you whether this stays a light cosmetic project or turns into something bigger. Overall, it’s not a bad deal—just not a guaranteed one. It works best if your ARV is accurate, rehab stays tight, and you can negotiate a slightly better purchase price. If those pieces check out, it can be a solid starter flip.
    • New to Real Estate · Columbus, GA · Member since 2025 · 38 posts · 18 votes
      10mo

      @Ebonie Beaco like I've mentioned to Caleb, the main focus of the rehab in the backyard. The kitchen needs a new sink and one bathroom needs tile. Comps was ran a few times to come with a good ARV. I see that the cost of the property is possibly one of the biggest concerns. An offer for $250k-$255k would be great, I was told from the seller that offers has been put in at and around $245k.

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