Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 16%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$39 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime

Let's keep in touch

Subscribe to our newsletter for timely insights and actionable tips on your real estate journey.

By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions
×
Try Pro Features for Free
Start your 7 day free trial. Pick markets, find deals, analyze and manage properties.
Followed Discussions Followed Categories Followed People Followed Locations
All Forum Categories
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

All Forum Posts by: Rob Harris

Rob Harris has started 11 posts and replied 146 times.

Post: Sub-divide land

Rob HarrisPosted
  • Property developer and building contractor
  • Lampasas , TX
  • Posts 148
  • Votes 81

That weighs heavily on jurisdictional requirements. 

In short, where I am we simply have to ensure zoning is acceptable, have a surveyor do lot line adjustments and submit new plat for approval. BUT - if re-plat is greater than 4 Finish parcels, this adds more level of bureaucratic red tape involving planning and zoning commissions PLUS the city council.   

I would contact a surveyor and explain the situation, providing him the current site conditions and your end game. If they are knowledgeable about the area they should be able to get you dialid in. 

Post: Check list for buying land/building lot?

Rob HarrisPosted
  • Property developer and building contractor
  • Lampasas , TX
  • Posts 148
  • Votes 81

Here is a quick ref sheet I have for looking at various development projects,,,,,hopefully you find some helpful info included. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/v8unxbr1xcbnykd/Large%20...

Post: Sample Plans

Rob HarrisPosted
  • Property developer and building contractor
  • Lampasas , TX
  • Posts 148
  • Votes 81

Good idea; firstling that pops in my mind is the transportation costs....? 

Where I build, getting materials at a "Builder" price along with fairly cheap labor costs makes me think that unless the pre-fab manufacturer is down the street, the cost would be substantially higher...

Now in "other" locations around the country this modality of construction could be cheaper. I do know folks that build pre-fab for gov utilized projects and transport to site and put together.... The Davis-Bacon prevailing wage rates that must be used when working on the set of the gov/public works projects makes this approach more cost efficient and yield excellent profits for the pre-fab co. 

Post: Investing in Texas for rental purpose

Rob HarrisPosted
  • Property developer and building contractor
  • Lampasas , TX
  • Posts 148
  • Votes 81

@Jon Q.- thanks and totally agree. I'm definitely not getting out there to be over leveraged. 

The area where I am is def lower on supply and spent much time doing needs assessment to make sure was a solid move! Also because Imma cheap MO-FO and deal hunter.... I buy cheeeeeeeap! Rarely do I even pay close to even 55-60% market WITH value adds. I'm buying 100% of my dreams of market from private parties. 

Watching those major markets is very important.!! Folks looking at Texas now are waaaaaay behind the current power curve. Real retail market deals for the areas you mentioned above are a seriously rare now....

Post: Investing in Texas for rental purpose

Rob HarrisPosted
  • Property developer and building contractor
  • Lampasas , TX
  • Posts 148
  • Votes 81

@Jon Q. - the info/research I've read showed overall much less overall volatility in the states of Texas as a whole. I'm no expert, but even lenders I've worked with have started the same in tx.  

Agreed on the property tax aspect..... Luckily, where I am focused (about an hour outside Austin)  I'm not paying as high of Tax rates.....

I do agree concerning the major municipalities you've quoted as being definitely more volitile concerning the Texas market. I specialize in primarily rural development. I'm making GREAT spreads as a land developer and builder. Turning the proceeds into long term rental properties I'm building myself. Getting ready to start a 49 unit apt development in an area that will provide me serious cash flow / long term passive income. Awesome price to rent ratios.... Looking at it from a per door perspective, I'll clear $200+... MINIMAL CAP EX... Full Brick Exteriors, Minimal Maintenance....

Gotta build and design right from the start! 

Thanks for your comments!! 

Post: Investing in Texas for rental purpose

Rob HarrisPosted
  • Property developer and building contractor
  • Lampasas , TX
  • Posts 148
  • Votes 81

I bailed on CA and am 100% Texas outside of Austin area.  I LOVE IT! 

Great returns and no state income tax!

Your dollar will go further in the rural areas outside the major municipalities (suburbs).. Many are moving farther out of town for just that reason and taking the short drive into "town" for the multitude of entertainment venues available.  

Also, long term wise, Texas had more conservative lending practices and overall a more stable economy.  Not nearly as volitile as states such as CA, for example. 

Anyway, good luck!!!

Post: 1 unit/1500sf of lot area. 2,900 sf lot. Does 1.9 = 1 or 2 units?

Rob HarrisPosted
  • Property developer and building contractor
  • Lampasas , TX
  • Posts 148
  • Votes 81

On "close" calls like that, in my experience, highly depends in the municipality you are dealing with.  Some are absolute sticklers,,,, and would require you to go through a probable lengthy variance request  process,,,,,,,,,,  some would say, "that's close enough for gov work!",,, and not even bat an eye at this close of call..... 

And @Michaela G. - you and I think much alike!!  LOL 

Post: Buying lots in older existing neighborhoods

Rob HarrisPosted
  • Property developer and building contractor
  • Lampasas , TX
  • Posts 148
  • Votes 81

@Adrian Becoat - the last 3 member posts are solid.  Def need to assess all mentioned. 

Post: Tear Down Properties: Am I Missing Something?

Rob HarrisPosted
  • Property developer and building contractor
  • Lampasas , TX
  • Posts 148
  • Votes 81

@Tyson Hosey - @Mike Sattem and @Jon Klaus - are spot on concerning their advice! 

Post: Real estate professional status as a general contractor?

Rob HarrisPosted
  • Property developer and building contractor
  • Lampasas , TX
  • Posts 148
  • Votes 81

Without any specific  research; I would "think" that these are two different professional designations, when addressing or viewing this through an "industry professional" terms. You could have "both" as I did being both a licensed realtor AND a licensed contractor in CA. 

Depending on your actual industry profession; you could state you have extensive expertise or experience with the complementary industry.