Getting construction experience as a realtor
Realtor · Tempe, AZ · Member since 2026 · 14 posts · 10 votes
Getting construction experience as a realtor
Most Popular Reply
Bruce WoodruffPro Member
Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votesIn addition to the above advice, I would look for a charity like Habitat For Humanity or T2T. You will get a lot of hands-on experience and be contributing at the same time.
Also attend the work-shops atr the big-box stores on the weekends, they will show you how to do tile install and easy stuff like that.
Apprenticing with a GC sounds easy but I'm not sure you will have great luck with this path.....what do you offer them as an inexperienced laborer? Why would someone like me hire you? If I did, you would start out just carrying lumber and cleaning up jobsites....for at least a year or two. Once again, why would a GC put you right on a framing crew?
Remember you need 4 years of journeyman level experience before a GC can sign for you to take the test.
27 Replies
- Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes5mo
Not sure from your post if you want to run a construction company or just use the knowledge for primarily your own flips. You might consider staying in RE but moving to a company that primarily performs Property Management. Now THAT will give you some experience in real world issues that pop up when flipping/investing! It needs to be a decent sized company, managing well over 100 units, scattered sites, mix of detached homes, multi-fams...not just one or two complexes.
Typically you'll get a salary for your PM work, then if they will also allow you to make sales as secondary effort, commissions for your extra hustle. The salary keeps you from riding the income roller coaster, and the commish income can go straight to your investment pot. You have built in customers for the long term, with Owners, or their kids, eventually selling the rentals or acquiring more; and Tenants that at some point are looking for their "first" home purchase. In the meantime, you get to see all the stupid crap that Tenants, Vendors, and others do, oblivious to how it will affect someone in the future. You will learn ALL about water intrusion, mold, remediation, different types of construction, weak points of infrastructure, the value of quality products vs. cheap knockoffs, and, hopefully, you will develop systems that actually work for you, on your Boss's dime. You never stop learning in this business.
By the way, if you do become licensed as a contractor, there is a desperate need for smart contractors that have people that can effectively troubleshoot and repair problems; understand the time and money constraints of PM's; open their eyes and report unrelated issues back to PM's without explicitly being told; know how to quickly produce a line item estimate; and take pride in their work. Licensed PM's, if they are competent, ALWAYS have funds on hand (in trust account for each Owner) for every job, payment is virtually guaranteed and usually quite prompt. Knowledgeable PM's don't require hand holding, they just need the truth, as early as possible.
- Realtor · Tempe, AZ · Member since 2026 · 14 posts · 10 votes5mo
Thank you Richard! My goal is to use my construction skills primarily for my own flips. A PM job is great advice and I've actually explored a few of those positions this year too.
- 5moDrew SygitBusiness MemberProperty Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 13k+ posts · 9k+ votes
Quote from @Jackson Haney:
Hi everyone,
I’m a 25-year-old real estate agent in the Phoenix/East Valley market, and my long-term goal is to build a business around real estate investing.
I’ve been considering apprenticing with a general contractor to gain hands-on construction experience while earning some additional income. My thought process is to spend a few years learning the trade, eventually obtain my contractor’s license, and combine that expertise with my real estate background.
The end goal would be to flip houses full-time and have a strong understanding of both the acquisition and renovation sides of the business.
Has anyone here taken a similar path? If so, what advice would you give someone just getting started? Any insights on the pros, cons, or things you wish you had known beforehand would be greatly appreciated.
I’m also posting this question in the AZREIA website since I’m a member there as well.
Thanks in advance for any guidance!
Understanding more about construction/maintenance is GREAT knowledge in real estate!
Whether you stay an agent, flip or PM, it will serve you well.
I personally rehabbed much of my first 15 rentals I acquired - I found a great contractor that taught me a LOT and did hire out real big stuff.
Now, that knowledge helps protect against price gouging, unnecessary repairs, leads to better solutions, etc.
Recommend you consider what a career in real estate investing will look like.
- Being a real estate agent is just another JOB
- So is Flipping
- So is Wholesaling
- Landlording is the only one that leads to recurring incomeThe most successful real estate investors do a little of all the above, with a primary focus.
- It often depends on the deals you find and where you are at financially.Find a great flip opportunity, but don't have the funds?
- Either wholesale to your network or look for ann equity partnerFind a great deal, but need cash fast?
- Wholesale it to your network.Find a great flip deal, have the necessary cash and don't need the money?
- Rehab it and keep as a rental.The more knowledge you have and the bigger your network, the more opportunities you will find, recognize and understand how to structure.
Logical Property Management4.9462 Reviews- Realtor · Tempe, AZ · Member since 2026 · 14 posts · 10 votes5mo
Hi Drew, thank you for your advice with those different situations. For now, I need a job so I would do flips and then hopefully progress to landlording down the road.
Did your contractor allow you to work alongside him during projects (for example you do the demo of the kitchen and he installs the cabinets)? With an arrangement like that, I could put in my sweat equity, but still get professional construction when needed.
- 5moDrew SygitBusiness MemberProperty Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 13k+ posts · 9k+ votes
Quote from @Jackson Haney:
Hi Drew, thank you for your advice with those different situations. For now, I need a job so I would do flips and then hopefully progress to landlording down the road.
Did your contractor allow you to work alongside him during projects (for example you do the demo of the kitchen and he installs the cabinets)? With an arrangement like that, I could put in my sweat equity, but still get professional construction when needed.
To use your example, we demo'd and put the kitchen back together as a team.
He knew what he was doing, I didn't.
So, he gave me lots of pointers and would often tell me how to do something and then leave. He'd check back on how I did and then we'd fix my mistakes and move onto the next problem.
I learned a LOT that way!
Logical Property Management4.9462 Reviews
- 5moBruce WoodruffPro MemberContractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
In addition to the above advice, I would look for a charity like Habitat For Humanity or T2T. You will get a lot of hands-on experience and be contributing at the same time.
Also attend the work-shops atr the big-box stores on the weekends, they will show you how to do tile install and easy stuff like that.
Apprenticing with a GC sounds easy but I'm not sure you will have great luck with this path.....what do you offer them as an inexperienced laborer? Why would someone like me hire you? If I did, you would start out just carrying lumber and cleaning up jobsites....for at least a year or two. Once again, why would a GC put you right on a framing crew?
Remember you need 4 years of journeyman level experience before a GC can sign for you to take the test.
- Realtor · Tempe, AZ · Member since 2026 · 14 posts · 10 votes5mo
Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:
Hi Bruce, I really appreciate your advice from a contractor's perspective. I actually volunteered at Habitat for Humanity last weekend (put in 2 bathroom vanities and 6 doors). I made some solid connections and will be attending their build events on a regular basis.
To answer your question:
If someone like you were to hire me, you'd be hiring a reliable and quick learning young man. I'm not too good for entry-level work like carrying lumber. I'm highly motivated and sure I would pick up additional skills quickly.
I'm looking for valuable experience in residential construction, not for an easy path.
- 5moBruce WoodruffPro MemberContractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
Quote from @Jackson Haney:
Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:
Hi Bruce, I really appreciate your advice from a contractor's perspective. I actually volunteered at Habitat for Humanity last weekend (put in 2 bathroom vanities and 6 doors). I made some solid connections and will be attending their build events on a regular basis.
To answer your question:
If someone like you were to hire me, you'd be hiring a reliable and quick learning young man. I'm not too good for entry-level work like carrying lumber. I'm highly motivated and sure I would pick up additional skills quickly.
I'm looking for valuable experience in residential construction, not for an easy path.
Then present yourself exactly like that to local GC's. Bear in mind also that they may be hesitant to train someone who they know if going to leave to pursue their own dream as an investor....
- 2moJanelle GinyardPro MemberFlipper/Rehabber · Orlando, FL · Member since 2023 · 20 posts · 14 votes
I really like this advice! It’s so easy to overlook hardware stores that offer weekend workshops. I especially love the idea of volunteering with a charity — you get to do some good while building new skills. Can’t beat that!
Quote from @Jackson Haney:
Hi everyone,
I’m a 25-year-old real estate agent in the Phoenix/East Valley market, and my long-term goal is to build a business around real estate investing.
I’ve been considering apprenticing with a general contractor to gain hands-on construction experience while earning some additional income. My thought process is to spend a few years learning the trade, eventually obtain my contractor’s license, and combine that expertise with my real estate background.
The end goal would be to flip houses full-time and have a strong understanding of both the acquisition and renovation sides of the business.
Has anyone here taken a similar path? If so, what advice would you give someone just getting started? Any insights on the pros, cons, or things you wish you had known beforehand would be greatly appreciated.
I’m also posting this question in the AZREIA website since I’m a member there as well.
Thanks in advance for any guidance!
Why not take a shot as an asst. property manager? No better way to kick the tires and learn about real estate, the highs and lows, than becoming a property manager. It's not easy work; but you will never be "bored".
- Realtor · Tempe, AZ · Member since 2026 · 14 posts · 10 votes5mo
Hi Adam, I agree. That's a path I'm pursuing too. Thank you!
- You'll get a good amount of experience going that route. You can also opt to become a CCM. Depending on the state you work in, it may be a valuable designation. A CPM designation isn't worth the expense.
Quote from @Jackson Haney:
Hi Adam, I agree. That's a path I'm pursuing too. Thank you!
- 5moAdrienne RammohanPro MemberInvestor · Washington, DC · Member since 2022 · 136 posts · 161 votes
IMO a great idea. I started working for a small construction company a few years before I got my license and worked there 10 years before doing RE full-time. The one (important) piece of advice though--is pick your GC carefully! I worked for a custom home builder that focused on luxury new builds....and that business model was very different from upgrades/remodeling business.
- Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes5mo
Quote from @Adrienne Rammohan:
IMO a great idea. I started working for a small construction company a few years before I got my license and worked there 10 years before doing RE full-time. The one (important) piece of advice though--is pick your GC carefully! I worked for a custom home builder that focused on luxury new builds....and that business model was very different from upgrades/remodeling business.
That's for sure! Anyone can build a "square and plumb" structure from ground up. It takes REAL talent to work with an old structure that has settled, maybe leaning some, multiple "improvements" over the years, etc. Two different animals! - Realtor · Tempe, AZ · Member since 2026 · 14 posts · 10 votes5mo
Hi Adrienne, thank you for the advice! How did you get connected to your GC? Was it through your construction company?
Also, I see you've spent time in DC. I just moved to Phoenix after 3 years there. I loved my government job, but my wife got into medical school here and we couldn't pass up this opportunity.
- Realtor · Tempe, AZ · Member since 2026 · 14 posts · 10 votes5mo
Quote from @Jackson Haney:
Hi Adrienne, thank you for the advice! How did you get connected to your GC? Was it through your construction company?
Also, I see you've spent time in DC. I just moved to Phoenix after 3 years there. I loved my government job, but my wife got into medical school here and we couldn't pass up this opportunity.
- Investor · Gulf Coast · Member since 2026 · 37 posts · 13 votes5mo
You know most home builders got into the business by grabbing a hammer and pushing a wheelbarrow. They knew nothing about construction and many still don't. They depend on their subs; and they started out as labors and graduated through the ranks learning what they were taught. It's amazing what some of them consider quality construction. Take for instance the Hollywood Header that couldn't be further from the truth. Before long the investor or homeowner will notice sagging door and window header. Or not realizing home construction is built on a 2' or 16" spacing which in itself is disastrous, or start their brick courses on the on and on. Just because someone is in the business doesn't mean they know what they are doing. There is no entry barriers to home building. Anyone can jump in and start doing it. Caution: Get you some cheap "reputable" videos, you tube or books, read, look, learn and then go to any building site in the right stage and compare, see for yourself how things go together. You can probably find someone on-site will further your education. But take no twooden nickels. A reputable video or book will go a long way. To round things out hit the internet and review some info on critical paths. That concerns itself with which paticular job has to be done before the next one starts. Then talk to labors on the site and find our about costs and how long it will take for them to say, "finish framing the home". Pay particular care to the square footage of the home and what neighborhood it's located in. If it's in a luxury neighborhood the owner will be paying luxury prices and vice versa. I invite any questions.
- 5moBruce WoodruffPro MemberContractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes"There is no entry barriers to home building. Anyone can jump in and start doing it."
Quote from @JV Kaufman:
You know most home builders got into the business by grabbing a hammer and pushing a wheelbarrow. They knew nothing about construction and many still don't. They depend on their subs; and they started out as labors and graduated through the ranks learning what they were taught. It's amazing what some of them consider quality construction. Take for instance the Hollywood Header that couldn't be further from the truth. Before long the investor or homeowner will notice sagging door and window header. Or not realizing home construction is built on a 2' or 16" spacing which in itself is disastrous, or start their brick courses on the on and on. Just because someone is in the business doesn't mean they know what they are doing. There is no entry barriers to home building. Anyone can jump in and start doing it. Caution: Get you some cheap "reputable" videos, you tube or books, read, look, learn and then go to any building site in the right stage and compare, see for yourself how things go together. You can probably find someone on-site will further your education. But take no twooden nickels. A reputable video or book will go a long way. To round things out hit the internet and review some info on critical paths. That concerns itself with which paticular job has to be done before the next one starts. Then talk to labors on the site and find our about costs and how long it will take for them to say, "finish framing the home". Pay particular care to the square footage of the home and what neighborhood it's located in. If it's in a luxury neighborhood the owner will be paying luxury prices and vice versa. I invite any questions.
Not sure about where you are, but most states have pretty serious barriers. In CA and AZ, you'll need 1) a minimum of 4 years experience (at Journeyman level or better), 2) find another GC that will sign the application for you, 3) pass a wicked hard test (only 12% pass rate), 4) pass a Live-Scan fingerprint test that goes to the FBI, and 5) pay a couple grand worth of fees.
No it's not completely foolproof...but it'll sure weed out a lot of wanna be's.....
Note - I am definitely NOT a big-government/regulation kinda guy...but when you're building a structure where people live, it should be done right and safely... Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:
"There is no entry barriers to home building. Anyone can jump in and start doing it."Quote from @JV Kaufman:
You know most home builders got into the business by grabbing a hammer and pushing a wheelbarrow. They knew nothing about construction and many still don't. They depend on their subs; and they started out as labors and graduated through the ranks learning what they were taught. It's amazing what some of them consider quality construction. Take for instance the Hollywood Header that couldn't be further from the truth. Before long the investor or homeowner will notice sagging door and window header. Or not realizing home construction is built on a 2' or 16" spacing which in itself is disastrous, or start their brick courses on the on and on. Just because someone is in the business doesn't mean they know what they are doing. There is no entry barriers to home building. Anyone can jump in and start doing it. Caution: Get you some cheap "reputable" videos, you tube or books, read, look, learn and then go to any building site in the right stage and compare, see for yourself how things go together. You can probably find someone on-site will further your education. But take no twooden nickels. A reputable video or book will go a long way. To round things out hit the internet and review some info on critical paths. That concerns itself with which paticular job has to be done before the next one starts. Then talk to labors on the site and find our about costs and how long it will take for them to say, "finish framing the home". Pay particular care to the square footage of the home and what neighborhood it's located in. If it's in a luxury neighborhood the owner will be paying luxury prices and vice versa. I invite any questions.
Not sure about where you are, but most states have pretty serious barriers. In CA and AZ, you'll need 1) a minimum of 4 years experience (at Journeyman level or better), 2) find another GC that will sign the application for you, 3) pass a wicked hard test (only 12% pass rate), 4) pass a Live-Scan fingerprint test that goes to the FBI, and 5) pay a couple grand worth of fees.
No it's not completely foolproof...but it'll sure weed out a lot of wanna be's.....
Note - I am definitely NOT a big-government/regulation kinda guy...but when you're building a structure where people live, it should be done right and safely...^^^this^^^ x10
To note; A couple of minutes of DD shows WV has extremely weak contractors license laws to protect customers.
Not a fan of regulations either, that being said regulations are emblematic of cause and effect. As an analogy drug dealers wouldn't exist, if there was no demand.
Cutting corners on a structure, made of combustible materials, where innocent people sleep (while groveling for $) is literally negligence.
The sign of integrity is what people do when no one is looking.
- Severna Park, MD · Member since 2013 · 7k+ posts · 7k+ votes5mo
Working with a general contractor is only part of the construction education . IF you want to learn , get a job with as many trades as you can . Concrete , block layer , framer , roofer , plumber , electrician etc .
Now when you are out there in the summer heat in AZ , you will figure out real quick if this is the path you want to follow
- 5moBruce WoodruffPro MemberContractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
Quote from @Matthew Paul:
Working with a general contractor is only part of the construction education . IF you want to learn , get a job with as many trades as you can . Concrete , block layer , framer , roofer , plumber , electrician etc .
Now when you are out there in the summer heat in AZ , you will figure out real quick if this is the path you want to follow
Yes^^^^. Maybe choose HVAC.....? :-)
Wow, wish i had consulted with (soft hands) experts on BP before I busted my *** for 4 yrs (while going to school) so I could then bust my *** for 4 more years (while in school. To then pay bond, PL/PD, license & min bank acct balance of $50k & have 2 other contractors sign for me & take a 2 day test to get licensed. Turns out my annual code recertification, ICBO, SQCA, OSHA 30 training evey year, was a waste of time.
Well at least we all know how easy it is to be a tradesmen & contractor.
A sub is a tasty sandwich or a vessel that goes underwater.
- 5moJordan RayBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Memphis, TN · Member since 2023 · 642 posts · 337 votes
Quote from @Jackson Haney:
Hi everyone,
I’m a 25-year-old real estate agent in the Phoenix/East Valley market, and my long-term goal is to build a business around real estate investing.
I’ve been considering apprenticing with a general contractor to gain hands-on construction experience while earning some additional income. My thought process is to spend a few years learning the trade, eventually obtain my contractor’s license, and combine that expertise with my real estate background.
The end goal would be to flip houses full-time and have a strong understanding of both the acquisition and renovation sides of the business.
Has anyone here taken a similar path? If so, what advice would you give someone just getting started? Any insights on the pros, cons, or things you wish you had known beforehand would be greatly appreciated.
I’m also posting this question in the AZREIA website since I’m a member there as well.
Thanks in advance for any guidance!
You don't necessarily need to do that unless you want to manage rehabs. I would just learn your contractor's line items by sqft and get familiar with it so you can "ballpark" for your clients and then send the contractor in when possible. Hope that helps!
Jordan Ray - eXp Realty5109 Reviews - Investor · Louisville, KY · Member since 2017 · 92 posts · 38 votes5mo
Hey Jackson, fellow investor-realtor here in Kentucky. I commend you for your willingness to learn the business by doing the labor that is essential to making real estate the lucrative business that it is. My dad was a home builder and I learned a lot as a young man in high school by just observing what was happening while I was sweeping up. With that said, I don't know that your strategy is necessary. If you have the funds now to purchase an investment property, I would go ahead and purchase that property and learn the trade from a trusted GC that you hire for the renovation.
- 4moPeter MckernanBusiness MemberResidential Real Estate Agent · Irvine, CA · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
Yeah, I agree with Bruce, there are many ways. I got mine by working as a firefighter for years and also selling real estate. You really just like any job you get have to work from the bottom to the top. You could even go on the trips to Mexico that are charity trips for building homes for underprivileged families that is a great thing to do to get more experience and really good knowledge of framing and all.
The charity work and other things would really get you a good footing and ability to expand that knowledge fairly quickly!
The intern approach for GCs is harder due to the bigger companies will have you cleaning up after the people working, or carrying tools. The other guys like a smaller outfit the guy would be doing the same, due to the GC running the job and throwing the hammer while having his go to guys doing all the rest. If you had to pick between these two tho, I would go a small GC before I would pick a big GC.
The McKernan Group4.957 Reviews- 4moBruce WoodruffPro MemberContractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
Quote from @Peter Mckernan:
Yeah, I agree with Bruce, there are many ways. I got mine by working as a firefighter for years and also selling real estate. You really just like any job you get have to work from the bottom to the top. You could even go on the trips to Mexico that are charity trips for building homes for underprivileged families that is a great thing to do to get more experience and really good knowledge of framing and all.
The charity work and other things would really get you a good footing and ability to expand that knowledge fairly quickly!
The intern approach for GCs is harder due to the bigger companies will have you cleaning up after the people working, or carrying tools. The other guys like a smaller outfit the guy would be doing the same, due to the GC running the job and throwing the hammer while having his go to guys doing all the rest. If you had to pick between these two tho, I would go a small GC before I would pick a big GC.
"If you had to pick between these two tho, I would go a small GC before I would pick a big GC."
Absolutely! A lot more opportunity to move up into a skill position more quickly....
- 4moJames WilcoxBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 603 votes
Quote from @Jackson Haney:
Hi everyone,
I’m a 25-year-old real estate agent in the Phoenix/East Valley market, and my long-term goal is to build a business around real estate investing.
I’ve been considering apprenticing with a general contractor to gain hands-on construction experience while earning some additional income. My thought process is to spend a few years learning the trade, eventually obtain my contractor’s license, and combine that expertise with my real estate background.
The end goal would be to flip houses full-time and have a strong understanding of both the acquisition and renovation sides of the business.
Has anyone here taken a similar path? If so, what advice would you give someone just getting started? Any insights on the pros, cons, or things you wish you had known beforehand would be greatly appreciated.
I’m also posting this question in the AZREIA website since I’m a member there as well.
Thanks in advance for any guidance!
@Jackson Haney I haven't had a similar experience but I think you have a good plan to get some real work GC experience. You could also being an agent go to your local developers and ask to walk their job sites on new construction or go to their open houses and learn more how they build homes.
If you are looking for any volunteer opportunities Habitat for Humanity will get you some real on job site training in home building as well. They are also a great organization.
REI James w/ eXp Realty54 Reviews
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