All Forum Posts by: George Griffeth

Can anyone elaborate on any problems they’ve encountered specifically working with a GC as an out of state investor? Any stories would be great. I can pull value from any kind of answer. 

Thanks a lot Brian. Although they seem obvious, hearing specific problems people encounter in their own words makes it easier for me to understand the gap between where a general contractor comes from and where real estate professionals come from. I want my business to fill that gap specifically. I really appreciate your answers. 

Hello community,

I’m a young construction professional preparing to go out on my own in the Los Angeles market. I’m working on a business plan to better define my business in my own mind. I’ll be getting my general contractors license, and will focus my business on working with real estate professionals (agents, property managers, in/out of state investors). I’ve been licensed in real estate in NY in the past, and have been in construction for almost a decade (finish/rough carpentry/painting). I’m young but have been interested in real estate and construction my whole adult life. I’m very serious about this and am going to put in any amount of time and energy necessary to get my business off the ground. 

My question for anyone willing to help me is, what are some reoccurring problems you’ve faced while working with general contractors in your experience investing in real estate? I’ll leave the question broad, give me any answers that come to mind. Thanks in advance, any insights will be extremely helpful. 

I understand. Thank you. I’m actually in the construction field so I’m doing personal research. Your point works to my advantage, but I suppose the amount of bad contractors doesn’t effect how well of a contractor I am. Was just curious, trying to stir my mind for some thoughts and ideas. Thanks for your input.  

@Nabil Suleiman

Such a great answer, thank you. A few angles there I haven’t thought of. I love LA too, I should have said a reflection of any rude/self-absorbed aspect of LA. My favorite part of LA personally is all the layers it has, there’s no doubt a pompous layer, safe to say more than the average American city. But maybe me thinking that way is influenced subconscious by the reality TV shows and social media or something. I don’t have personal experience with I real estate professionals in Los Angeles but am hoping to in the near future. 

Again thanks for your reply, it answered my question thoroughly and has been worth rereading a few times. Brought some new things to mind. 

I read a recent post on real estate agents in the Los Angeles area being generally rude. I know that's a massive pool of people to generalize, but it seemed like a few people were agreeing. This brought to mind the question, is it a similar experience with general contractors? What has your experience working with general contractors and sub contractors been in the Los Angeles area with regards to them being rude? More common than in other areas? What do you think is the cause of this? Is it a reflection of the LA culture, or could it be because times are good now and it's being taken for granted? I saw someone mention there's a low barrier of entry for real estate agents in Los Angeles, is this the same case for general contractors?

I'm very curious to hear even a small slice of perspective from seasoned professionals such as are on these forums. Thanks for anyone that takes time to share their knowledge and wisdom.

What makes the barrier to entry lower in Los Angeles than other areas? Or is that just people working with new agents like @shawnregnier suggested?

I was going to start the same thread, but from the perspective on a General Contractor. I plan on being licensed soon in California, Los Angeles specifically, and am looking for primary research from real estate professionals in what the ideal general contractor would provide to them. My plan is to start a Painting and carpentry business that focuses on working with real estate professionals. I want to quickly get my GC license to administer and coordinate anything construction related for real estate investors in the Los Angeles area. 

The qualities you mentioned seem to me to be essential to find in any potential long-term business relationship. Thanks for your perspective, it’s valuable to me. 

Is there anything anyone can think of that would be very specific to whatever field of real estate they’re in? That they would find valuable in a general contractor that they either haven’t been able to find at all or able to sustain? Whether it’s property managers, agents, investors, etc. I’d love to have the conversation. 

I always recommend the real estate guys radio show. It’s a podcast. I found it 10 years ago at this point, it’s my favorite resource for RE information honestly. It’s two guys, Robert Helms and Russel Grey. They both have totally different personalities, they’re older gentlemen, experts in their fields. Robert is the salesman, big picture, animated side. Russel is the analytical, detail, numbers guy. Both of them are masters of explaining complex topics. They’ve had repeat guests over the last 15 years, their back catalogue can keep you occupied for years. I couldn’t recommend them more. 

I'm actually not invested in any real estate yet personally. I hope to soon but when it comes naturally. Right now I'm investing heavily in my business. A carpentry and painting business. Buying tools, saving money for more insurances, eventually licensing. It goes hand in and with REI, I'm hoping to make my niche working with re investors specifically. I think investing in higher income potential is always a good idea, you could do the math and figure the ROI on whatever you put in.