All Forum Posts by: Forrest Shealy

@ frederick 

@Frederick Johnson

Definitely go see the property in person. There are so many things that you won't notice on maps and listings. Wetlands, huge trees, erosion problems, neighbors lot filled with trash, etc. In my area water can be a serious problem, so I like to go during or after heavy rain.

"I love to read.......What books, articles, or websites do you recommend?" This was my favorite part of the original question. What resources should I seek out?

@Karen Margrave Thank you for your articles on this subject!

How does one learn development? What books or resources do people suggest?

Thank everyone for this information! I found this very helpful:

https://buildingadvisor.com/bu...

Did they forget anything? Are there any differences when planning a commercial property? Which things do you check before you make the offer, and what can wait until due diligence?

Every Tuesday morning. Come have breakfast with Santa. Bring your deals, wants and needs and share with the group. Get to know other investors in the area.

Find us on Meet-up. https://www.meetup.com/Tri-Cou...

Getting to a meetup is a great way to learn about the local market. I have been to quite a few. Welcome to real estate!

The GIS map I am working off of for a property definitely has some inaccuracies, but I have so far been unable to determine the truth regarding sewer pipe/hookup locations. I spent over an hour at the property just looking for the manholes, but I couldn't find one that I need. I tried calling the sanitation department, but they were unhelpful. How do I find it?

Thank you!

This will be my first time needing a civil engineer, or any engineer. I will mostly need them to overcome some challenges getting sewer service to the property. It is a basically flat property with good drainage and we are using a standard size steel frame construction, so the other questions should be easy. It is only a 6000sf building and affordability is and affordability is a major concern. How do I choose? What questions should I ask? 

I understand I will have to spend money, but I want to know if these sewer issues push us over budget or just eat the margins, before we spend too much.

Thank you!

I am venturing into new construction for the same reasons. I am currently in the process of rezoning my first commercial build. The rezoning process, where I am, has been straightforward but time consuming. There are 7 public hearings over 7 months, but as long as the city planner and neighbors are ok with the rezoning, it seems to be a long formality. Getting public utilities on the other hand, can be very confusing, time consuming, and expensive (even if every lot around you already has utilities). Next time, I will pay more for land that already has the proper access to utilities.