Long Distance Renovation Help?

[Christina Swaby]

I am looking to do my first long distance deal and I am struggling with how to estimate rehab costs. I am decently confident with estimating cosmetic changes. Many of the homes Im looking at will need structural as well. Ex: flooded basements, rebuilding porches, repair/replace heater, repair detached garages. 

Any tips on how to estimate this? I dont have the network there yet to ask a contractor to a house I dont have under contract. Should I just give it my best guess and then get a contractor in there after the inspection?

[Christina Swaby]

Quote from @Andrew Postell:

@Christina Swaby is your profile correct that you live in Houston?  If so, why are you trying long distance?

Many reasons. Cash flow, cheaper properties, significantly less property taxes/insurance, chance to improve the communities where we are from, etc. Not against Houston. We have a property here already. Just modified our goals for the near term and the area we are looking at made sense.