All Forum Posts by: Candace Hughes

Hey Dhruv, I’m really sorry you’re dealing with that. It sounds incredibly frustrating, especially being out of state. Unfortunately, situations like this are a reminder of how important clear contracts and communication are up front. Since you already documented everything with texts, calls, payments, and timelines, you’re in a strong position if it does go to small claims.

If he can’t provide receipts for the extra charges, then you’ve held up your end of the agreement by paying what was contracted, plus more. At this point, I’d avoid further back-and-forth with him and let the documentation speak for itself. If it ends up in court, the judge will want to see exactly what was agreed to and what was delivered.

For the future, one thing that’s helped me when managing projects is breaking down payments into clear draws tied to milestones and making sure all change orders are in writing before any extra work is approved. It keeps both sides accountable and prevents a lot of this kind of stress.

I work with out-of-town investors here in Indiana to help them avoid exactly this type of headache by overseeing rehabs, coordinating contractors, and handling details like budgets, timelines, and communication. Having someone local you can trust really makes a difference.

You’re not alone, a lot of us have had tough contractor experiences. The good thing is you’ll come out of this one with lessons that will protect you on the next project.

Hey Carlos, great question! When I was self-managing, I used an app called Avail and it worked really well for collecting rent online, setting up leases, and even handling work orders. Tenants could pay directly through the app, and it gave me an easy way to track payments and send reminders if rent was late.

For non-payments or eviction processes, I’d definitely suggest looking into the specific laws for the state your properties are in, since procedures can vary a lot. Even if you’re self-managing, it’s good to have a local attorney or eviction service on standby just in case.

Overall, using a platform like Avail really streamlined the process for me and gave me peace of mind managing from a distance.

Hey Jack, welcome to BP and congrats on locking up your first deal, that’s a huge step! I’m also here in Indiana and have managed a few rehab projects myself, so I know how exciting (and a little overwhelming) that first one can feel.

Sounds like you've got a solid property with multiple exit strategies. From what I've seen, cosmetic updates like paint and flooring can make a quick impact, and the basement definitely adds long-term potential if the numbers work. Since you're looking to preserve capital, you're right that options like seller financing or private money could be good to explore. DSCR loans are also worth looking into since they focus more on the income potential of the property rather than your personal finances.

As far as pitfalls, I’d just say to budget a little extra for those “minor” updates because they have a way of snowballing once you get started. And make sure you’re clear on your plan before diving into a full basement finish, since that can add time and complexity.

Wishing you the best on this one. It’s great to see more Indiana investors here and I’m always happy to connect with people building in our state.

Hi Kyle,

I’m based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the state as a whole has some solid rental markets depending on your goals. Indy and the surrounding suburbs like Fishers or Noblesville are steady for long-term holds with strong tenant demand. Cities like Fort Wayne and Evansville offer good balance between affordability and stable rental income. If you’re looking for higher cash flow, smaller cities like Anderson, Marion, or Muncie can provide lower entry costs, though they do require tighter management and more attention to CapEx.

Indiana overall is landlord-friendly, affordable compared to coastal markets, and has a mix of both stable and high-yield options. If you’d like to connect and talk more about how these markets might fit your strategy, feel free to reach out.

Hey Carson,

First off, major respect for starting your real estate journey at 19. That discipline you’ve built with saving while living at home is going to give you a huge advantage. I’m also here in Indianapolis, so it’s great to see more local investors getting started.

From my experience in project management and rehabbing investment properties in and around Indy, I’d say you’re in a strong position with your savings goal of $30–45K. A duplex or small multifamily in areas like Lawrence, Beech Grove, or parts of Speedway can be a great entry point. Those markets tend to have steady rental demand without being priced like Broad Ripple or Carmel. If you’re open to a little light rehab, you’ll find even more opportunity.

Since you’re still at home, you don’t have to house hack right away. You could start with a straight rental to get some experience under your belt. That said, house hacking is still one of the fastest ways to grow because your tenants are essentially helping you pay the mortgage while you keep stacking cash. Both options are solid, just depends on your comfort level.

In my opinion, getting that first deal under your belt sooner rather than later is key. It doesn’t have to be the perfect deal, but the experience you gain will accelerate your learning curve far more than just waiting on the sidelines.

If you’d like to connect or talk more about Indy submarkets, feel free to reach out. Always happy to connect with other local investors.

Wishing you the best as you build your portfolio'

Hey Eli, welcome to BP! I’m based here in Indy and have managed a variety of rehab projects, from mobile homes to single-family homes. Indy has solid sub-markets, but it really is block by block, so a good local team makes all the difference. One thing I’ve learned from overseeing projects is that consistent communication and clear expectations with contractors and property managers are key, especially for out-of-state investors. Starting with a 2–4 unit here is a smart way to get familiar with the market before scaling. Wishing you the best on your first deal! 

If you ever need someone local to keep an eye on projects or help manage the process, feel free to reach out,  I’ve been doing project management here in Indy and know how important that support can be for out-of-state investors.

Congrats on the land flip, Ameer,  that’s a great start! From my experience in project management and real estate, sometimes it helps to pivot into niches with lower barriers to entry. I’m not sure how active the mobile home market is in New Jersey, but in some areas mobile homes can be a more affordable way to get started with investing and still see strong returns. Partnerships can also help when capital is tight, teaming up with someone who has funds but not the time/experience can create a win-win. 

Great question, Kelly. As someone who’s managed flips and overseen contractors, I’ve found that stress-testing the numbers up front is key. I still use the 70% rule as a starting point, but I adjust based on neighborhood demand and current rehab costs. On the PM side, I always build in a buffer for labor delays and unexpected repairs, holding costs can eat your profit fast if you don’t plan for them. For me, a deal is worth it if I can run the numbers conservatively and still see solid returns.

Great  question, Logan! I’ve found that sometimes boosting on social media or tapping into local community groups can bring in more traction than just the big listing sites. Word of mouth and networking locally has also worked well for me. Keep us posted on how it goes!

Thanks, Jordon! I’ll check your DM and look forward to connecting. Appreciate you reaching out!