All Forum Posts by: Carlos Gonzalez

 Crucial!

Wow, those are some wild deals! 😲 A 9-townhome financing on a land lease? That’s not something you see every day, especially with the difficulty in securing financing for land leases. How did you navigate those challenges to get it done? I’m sure there were a ton of hurdles along the way.

And a 0% down fix and flip? That’s a game-changer. I’d love to hear more about how that deal came together — were you able to structure it through creative financing or a unique lending relationship?

Thanks for sharing those stories — definitely gives me a whole new perspective on what’s possible!

That’s such a solid point — it’s those small, daily actions that stack up and make the big things happen over time. I’ve found that too. Whether it’s sending a quick email to check in with a contractor, reviewing a new deal, or even just reading up on market trends, it all compounds.

Consistency really is key. It's so easy to get distracted by shiny objects, but it’s those routine tasks that keep everything moving forward.

Do you have any specific tools or systems you use to stay on track with those daily tasks? I’ve been experimenting with a few different productivity methods, but I’m always open to hearing how others manage it.

Thanks for sharing your insight — it’s a great reminder to keep showing up, day in and day out!

Thanks! Totally agree — it's wild how many people skip this step or treat it like an afterthought. The SOW sets the tone for everything — budget, expectations, timeline, communication... you name it.

And yes, photos are a must. I’ve had way too many "I thought you meant this" moments that could’ve been avoided with a simple picture or product reference. Now I include images, SKUs, even layout sketches when needed — just to make sure we’re all seeing the same vision.

Crazy how a little upfront clarity can save so much time and money down the road.

Appreciate you sharing your process too — it’s always good to hear how other investors are approaching it!

I wanted to share a method that’s really helped me stay on top of my property expenses during fix and flip projects — and hopefully get some feedback or tips from others doing the same!

When I started flipping, I found it way too easy to lose track of receipts, go over budget, or forget who I paid and when. That stuff adds up fast — and eats straight into your profits.

Here’s how I track my expenses now:

1. Google Drive Folder System

I keep everything organized per project in Google Drive. Each flip gets its own folder with subfolders like:

• Contracts & Permits

• Invoices & Receipts

• Scope of Work & Change Orders

• Budget Tracker

• Lien Waivers

Everything is uploaded digitally and shared with my GC and bookkeeper. Super easy access.

2. Master Fix & Flip Budget Tracker (Google Sheets or Excel)

This is the heart of it. My tracker includes:

• Purchase price + acquisition costs

• Hard money loan breakdown (points, interest, etc.)

• Holding costs (insurance, taxes, utilities)

• Rehab budget by category (demo, framing, paint, plumbing, etc.)

• Actuals vs Budget tracking

• Profit/loss summary

I update this weekly as invoices and receipts come in. Bonus: color-coding makes it easy to see if I’m on budget.

3. Use a Business Credit Card & Banking for Tracking

All expenses go through a dedicated business credit card or checking account for clean tracking. This makes it easier come tax time — and I earn rewards while doing it.

4. Bonus Tip: Create a "Daily Log"

My contractor (or I, depending on the day) writes down what work got done, what materials were purchased, and if any payments were made. It’s a quick snapshot of the day that saves me from surprises later.

Would love to hear what systems or tools you all use! Do you prefer an app like Stessa, QuickBooks, or something else? Always looking to improve.

One of the most overlooked (but most critical) parts of a successful flip is your Scope of Work (SOW). Without a clear, detailed SOW, you're opening the door to budget overruns, timeline delays, and contractor confusion.

Here’s My Process for Creating a Solid SOW:

1. Walk the Property Thoroughly I bring a checklist and walk the property with my contractor and project manager. We document EVERYTHING—from roofing and HVAC to paint colors and outlet covers.
2. Categorize by Trade I break down the work into categories: demo, framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, drywall, paint, flooring, etc. This makes it easier to get accurate bids and track progress.
3. Get Contractor Input Early Good contractors will spot things I might miss. Collaborating up front helps avoid scope creep and surprises mid-project.
4. Be Extremely Specific Instead of saying "replace flooring," I specify "install 1,200 sq ft of LVP flooring, color: gray oak, brand: XYZ."
5. Attach Photos & Design References Visuals eliminate miscommunication. I include sample photos, measurements, and layout diagrams whenever possible.
6. Include a Timeline and Payment Schedule Each phase of work is tied to a milestone and a draw. Keeps everyone accountable and aligned.

Pro Tip:

Use your SOW as a living document. Adjust as needed, but always communicate changes in writing and update your records accordingly.

How do you structure your Scope of Work? Have you found any tools or templates that help? Let’s share tips to make planning flips easier for everyone.

Let’s talk acquisitions—the lifeblood of any real estate business. Whether you’re flipping, building a rental portfolio, or wholesaling, how you FIND and LOCK IN deals determines your success.

A Few Strategies That Work for Me:

• Direct-to-Seller Marketing – Consistent cold calling, mailers, and SMS campaigns are still producing leads.

• Agent Relationships – I’ve landed great deals just by staying top of mind with investor-friendly agents.

• Networking – Local meetups and social media groups have been goldmines for warm leads.

• Creative Financing – Negotiating terms with motivated sellers has made more deals possible.

Let’s Share Playbooks:

• What’s your go-to acquisition strategy?

• What’s been your most creative acquisition?

Let’s help each other close more deals. Drop your strategies (and maybe a win or two) below!

If you’re a first-time investor gearing up for your first fix-and-flip, congratulations! Flipping houses can be a great way to build wealth, but success comes down to preparation, execution, and learning from others’ experiences.

Key Tips for Your First Flip:

1. Buy Right – Profit is made when you buy, not when you sell. Stick to the 70% rule (purchase + rehab costs should not exceed 70% of ARV).
2. Know Your Numbers – Accurately estimate repair costs, holding costs, and potential ARV. Always include a buffer for unexpected expenses.
3. Build a Reliable Team – Work with experienced contractors, real estate agents, and lenders to streamline the process.
4. Start Small & Simple – Avoid major structural rehabs or high-end flips on your first deal. Stick to cosmetic updates with high ROI.
5. Leverage Financing Wisely – Hard money, private money, or partnerships can help fund your flip while preserving your cash.
6. Have Multiple Exit Strategies – If selling doesn’t go as planned, consider renting, refinancing, or wholesaling.
7. Stay Organized & Stick to a Timeline – Time is money in flipping. The longer you hold, the more carrying costs eat into profits.

Your first flip is a learning experience, and mistakes will happen. The key is to minimize risk, stay disciplined, and keep learning.

For those who’ve already done their first flip—what’s one thing you wish you had known before starting? Let’s share insights!

I’ve been in the real estate investing game for a while now, focusing on flipping houses and providing private money lending through my business, CG Real Estate Ventures. Along the way, I’ve learned some hard (and expensive) lessons, as well as found strategies that work well.

One of my biggest takeaways: The power of networking and building strong relationships. Whether it's finding deals, securing funding, or learning from others’ mistakes, the right connections have made all the difference in my success.

I’d love to hear from you all—what’s been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your real estate journey? Whether you’re flipping, buying rentals, or lending, let’s share some insights and help each other grow!

Looking forward to the discussion!

Every investor has that one deal—the one that had unexpected twists, crazy negotiations, or a wild success story.

👀 Tell us about your most interesting or challenging real estate deal! What did you learn from it? Drop it in the comments!