All Forum Posts by: Ben McMahon

Wow, good information in this thread.  I haven't really looked too closely into owning one of these franchises but I love Jimmy Johns, ( Winchester Location actually) and I see that as the future not subway.  I'm not saying Subway is done, its just there is a reason why you can buy one on the cheap.  

Agree with most of what is said above, I know a few people that own some of these stores, and unless you can scale it up quickly and hire someone to manage the whole deal than it will take over your life.  Even still, you will have to manage the manager.  A buddy of mine owned a 5 or 6 pizza chains in the NOVA area, and the person who was managing it for him had actually been stealing from him for years.  

@Kevin Greene  I started off doing what you are doing, and it did take a bit of busy work.  On several occasions the costs got away from me, or I lost receipts etc.  Now my system is different because I am not responsible for inputting the data.  I have my field guys doing that as they purchase items.  There are several job costing apps available that make it easy.  You can just take a quick pic of the receipt, and the app does the rest.  I can't remember what my guys are using right now, but look it up.  

We also do a weekly review, so I know its all being tracked.  Its also a heck of a lot easier when you are contracting most of the project out.  Unless you are doing the actual work, make sure your contractors include every item in their bids, and in their bills.  You should be able to minimize your work, and get a better handle on what the contractors are giving you if you can get them to detail their bid sheets.

Lastly, most people that get rolling, end up using quickbooks, or something like that.  Its not too expensive, but I would look on the app store first.  I think "fresh books" might work well.  I've heard good things.  Its more for small operations.

Ahsan Lake I work that area. Pm me for details

Hi Michael.  I own a property management company, and we manage properties all over the valley.  I realize this is an old post.  Let me know if you still need a PM

@Brandon Ogilvie

I have a Property Management company located about an hour west. I recently hired a killer PM and finally feel like I can start growing east. I would be willing to see what you have. Both my PM and I have done work all over Northern VA/DC/MD for years. Just not property management. Mostly Construction and Property Maintenance. PM me if you want to chat

Hi Angel - I have a contracting department in my company.  I am not sure where you are investing, but PM me if you want to chat.

Thanks for the post I have four houses in the floodplain. Does anyone know of a surveyor in Northern Virginia that can help me with this?

I am interested. I have another meeting that night, but let me know when you have the next one.

It's under contract. And sorry I didn't reply earlier to the other two posts, somehow missed it. The other deal also went under contract. Do you all want me to let you know if any of them fall through?

Turnkey Single Family.  Completely renovated, and it looks awesome.  Recently went under contract, but the contract fell through due to buyers financing.  Located in town, and easy to rent.  Should rent between 1000-1200 a month.  Brand new roof, HVAC, Carpets, paint, and much more.  Our management company can get a tenant asap.