All Forum Posts by: Ed O.

If it's your first go on a new build, try and find a mentor or another active builder who can help you out, maybe in return for services and some good meals. So many things in new construction are regionally specific and there's a ton of room for subs to take advantage of newer builders when grey area scenarios arise. I did this when I got started and the value of my mentors counsel has been in the tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, make sure you get a good lot to build on - hilly lots can make it more costly to build a good house and people love a flat driveway and little to no steps... good luck!

Sure, you're competing against other lots, but supply and demand is a determined at the local level. In my market, about the only lots left are super high-end or junk lots, which are costly to build less desirable homes on. 

David, if you were to develop the lots, it could be beneficial to reach out to some builders in advance, offer them the opportunity to participate in crafting the covenants in return for them buying a set number of lots. 

Best of luck with your acquisition!

@Brandon Turner

Hey cat-man! - can you show me some love and point me in the right direction? I didn't expect crickets on this post. 

thanks,

Ed

Good morning!

I have a solid understanding of marketing to sellers after having listened to a lot of the podcasts, etc. Where I'm hung up is how to build it from scratch. 

Here's my scenario:

I've identified a limited, specific geographic area I'd like to purchase within. I can access records and data from the areas GIS and county database. I plan on farming this task out to a VA.

What I need, is a way to collect, sort and process the raw data, in the most efficient way. What software is preferable for this? I figure I'll mail marketing pieces 5-20 times to each parcel - I'm looking for a way to automate this part as much as possible - to a point where I can enter the property data and details - and then track and send marketing as planned. 

What's the best path on this? Thanks!

If you're unsure of labor costs, Lowes and HD will give you a high side price. 

As much as they are high, their workers probably have workers comp and general liability. The other thing you get, is that if you ever have an issue with the work performed, the stores generally will burn the sub if they have to, in order to stand behind the work. A lone handyman working out of the back of his truck usually has no insurance and also doesn't have a customer service department. 

I generally do not use them, but they certainly have a spot as a starting point to check on pricing. 

Hello!

I've used a few IP Cameras over the past few years to provide security and also a presence on job sites while not there. 

I've used nest cams and also tried Arlo. Canary is next in line for a tryout. 

They all seem to have some good qualities and unique shortcomings. 

I've seen some incredible cameras with Pan Tilt and Zoom features. 

The problem is that from what I've seen, they're all cctv and do not have an option to control them from a phone or pc. Is anyone aware of any cameras that can be used remotely, preferably with only a power cord feeding the camera, which can stand on its own. 

I'm looking for something that installs and needs as little as a nest cam, that has the functionality of a ptz camera which can be operated remotely. 

thanks!

Hello Will,

I have not installed metal roofing. From what I understand, and I may be incorrect - the cost of a metal roof is about the cost of 2 or 3 asphalt shingle roofs. I can get my roofs for a wholesale price, so I can spread the cash outlay on the roof hypothetically over 50 years (1 roof now, 1 new roof in 25 years, another in 25 years), vs cutting one big check now for a metal roof today. 

I've done this before. It worked really well. 

Call a few local roofing supply companies. Ask for a few referrals and some pricing. I'd bet you could save $30-50 a square. While this doesn't finance half of your roof (like you're after), it has the potential to save you 25% or more in pure cost. This worked quite well for me.  

Sorry, I'm not in that part of the state. Are you using a realtor in any way to buy? Is your insurance agent in the general area? They be among a few starting points where there's a presence.  

Good luck with it! 

Yes, when referring to subs, the people on the ground, in the area doing work for you. I've found that good subs are more likely to give you better referrals - to people of similar values and character.  Vendors in the area may not be a bad idea either - bankers, realtors, things along those lines. 

If you haven't worked with a pm before, I'd strongly encourage you to require an opt out at any time with them. When it goes down hill, it goes very quickly. You don't want them holding you and your money hostage any more than you have to. Good luck with your search.