All Forum Posts by: Jose Clavijo

Hi, partnering with a Contractor could be beneficial if you are doing several projects in the same area. 

ARV comps – I rely on investor-friendly agents who understand the level of rehab I'm doing. Tools like PropStream help with the initial view, but I always dig into the comps myself.

Rehab estimates – I pull from past projects. Most automated tools don’t reflect local costs or the real scope of what’s needed once you’re on-site. A contractor will assist in pricing and could do work at a better labor cost once there is an established relationship and a stead flow of work. 

ROI/profit – I use a custom spreadsheet that adjusts based on holding costs, repair surprises, and my exit.

Right now though, it's really about the market. In some areas, prices are softening, so the exit strategy matters a lot. If you're flipping to an investor, the rent numbers have to justify the price. If it's for an end buyer, you need to make sure the finishes line up with current buyer expectations and that it'll still appraise. The market is shifting fast, so ARV can change mid-project.

Hi, partnering with a contractor always helps,

ARV comps – I rely on investor-friendly agents who understand the level of rehab I’m doing. Tools like PropStream help with the initial view, but I always dig into the comps myself.

Rehab estimates – I pull from past projects. Most automated tools don’t reflect local costs or the real scope of what’s needed once you’re on-site. Team up with a contractor that can give you better pricing and when you do repeat business you will obtain better pricing on labor. 

ROI/profit – I use a custom spreadsheet that adjusts based on holding costs, repair surprises, and my exit.

Right now though, it’s really about the market. In some areas, prices are softening, so the exit strategy matters a lot. If you're flipping to an investor, the rent numbers have to justify the price. If it's for an end buyer, you need to make sure the finishes line up with current buyer expectations and that it'll still appraise. The market is shifting fast, so ARV can change mid-project.

Talking to an appraiser can help, but I’d start with a local investor-friendly agent or contractor who knows what adds value in that area. Appraisers look at past sales—agents think more about what buyers want now.

Also, replacing systems like roof or plumbing is expected in a full rehab, but it won't boost ARV much on its own. Kitchens, baths, layout, and curb appeal move the needle most.

With today’s interest rates, I’d be conservative on ARVs—some markets are seeing price drops, so it really depends on where you’re flipping.

Sounds like you’re being really thoughtful about this, which is great. Good tenants are worth holding onto. Bumping the rent from $1975 to $2075 doesn’t sound unreasonable, especially since you're below the comps, but with more competition out there, I get why you're hesitant.

If you're thinking about adding a fence, some landscaping, or a carport, those are nice value-adds that could help justify the increase and make the place stand out more. You could always do a smaller increase now like $2,025 and let the tenant know you’re planning upgrades, with the idea of another small bump next year once improvements are done.

At the end of the day, keeping a good tenant is usually worth a little less monthly rent versus risking vacancy or turnover costs. Hope that helps!

As an investor, I always weigh tenant history, timing, and income stability. Tenant A brings familiarity and a solid track record, which definitely reduces some risk. However, when evaluating long-term performance, consistent and verifiable income is one of the most critical factors—regardless of past history.

Tenant B may be newer to you, but if their income is strong and their application checks out, that’s worth serious consideration—especially since they’re ready to move in right away and avoid a month of vacancy.

Ultimately, while it’s great to have someone you’ve worked with before, the best tenant is the one who brings reliable income, clear expectations, and aligns with your financial goals.

Welcome to BiggerPockets! I’m also an investor and a licensed general contractor based in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Feel free to connect, always happy to network with fellow investors.

Welcome to BiggerPockets! I’m also an investor and a licensed general contractor based in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Feel free to connect, always happy to network with fellow investors.

Build baby build. In my area there is growing demand for housing. I will look for ways to work with local suppliers to reduce costs. There are market opportunities as buyers look for new construction. My main goal is to build small multifamily, Ideally duplex giving buyers the option to rent one side and use rental income to offset mortgage payments and for investors to have worry free maintenance free asset that will cashflow. 

The contractor will be your biggest challenge. I have done several flips from out of state, in the same markets as i was trying to build a team. I would suggest having a project manager on each flip, having contractors report back to you knowing that you are out of state is very challenging. I had more than one contractor do a great job on the first and then go downhill from there. You would think they want more business but not really. Working with an experienced project manager that had an established relationship with a contractor worked at then end for me. 

Condo investing can be profitable if you buy at the right price. If you are looking to hold long term and are buying mainly for cash flow make sure you always ask for the financials and maintenance history of the property as well as the reserves. No reserves and no recent updates on big ticket items is a sign of a special assessment. I currently own a property in South East Florida that has 2 assessments, i bought with the intention of holding short term. I recently sold another condo in South East Florida that had one assessment as well and $0 reserves. If you are a long term buy and hold investor do yourself a favor and buy a single family home with no HOA otherwise you can see your monthly fixed expenses increase beyond your control.