If the algorithm leans toward inaccurate or widely repeated information, it can still give a misleading answer.

The opportunity: Tighten operations around three levers—Cost, Time, and Revenue—while de-risking each flip with disciplined underwriting and execution.1) Cost: Tame Labor & Materials Without Gutting QualityValue-engineer the scopePrioritize visible ROI items: paint, flooring, lighting, curb appeal, kitchens/baths (surface updates > layout changes).Replace, don’t relocate: keep plumbing and electrical in place when possible.Use finish tiers (Economy / Mid / Premium) per neighborhood comp set; avoid over-improvement.Lock pricing earlyGet three-bid packages per trade with identical scopes, photos, and SKUs.Negotiate 30–60 day price locks on materials; ask for bulk-buy or “contractor pack” discounts.Use allowances (e.g., $2.50/sf flooring) with pre-approved SKU lists to control change orders.Build a dependable labor benchMaintain a preferred-vendor roster (primary + backup) for each trade.Offer fast pay terms (e.g., net-7 on verified milestones) in exchange for pricing and priority.Test small jobs first; promote trades to your A-list only after on-time, on-budget performance twice.Standardize to reduce wasteCreate repeatable finish schedules (same trim profile, faucet line, paint palette) so crews work faster and leftovers are reusable.Pre-kit jobs: one delivery per room (box includes all hardware, fixtures, and consumables).Contracting disciplineUse fixed-scope, milestone-based contracts with:Progress draws tied to inspections/photosNo deposit or minimal mobilizationLien waivers at each drawDaily liquidated damages for missed deadlines (after grace period)Written change order policy with price + time impact before work proceeds2) Time: Move Faster to Reduce Carry and RiskFront-load planningWalk the property with all key trades before closing; finalize scope, bids, and schedule ahead of day 1.Pull permits early; choose scopes that avoid structural or major MEP reroutes when timelines matter.Sequencing & overlapSchedule parallel workstreams (e.g., exterior/landscaping while interior demo proceeds).Use a Gantt chart (even a simple spreadsheet) to track trade start/finish, dependencies, and buffers.Daily control15-minute stand-up with GC or project lead each morning (photos + punch list).Two inspections/week: one quality, one progress vs. schedule.Keep critical spares on hand (breakers, valves, GFCIs, common trim, extra boxes of flooring).Tech + templatesSimple tools (Google Drive + shared photo folders, or apps like Buildertrend/Jobber) for scope sheets, punch lists, and photo proof.Use QR codes in rooms linking to the finish schedule for fewer “what goes here?”

I have always had an affinity for real estate, but with my engineering/software background it made me feel more comfortable making the jump. 

You're just looking for a contractor, or an engineer first to provide you plans for grading? 

From experience, it really helps to line up a good local lender, engineer, and GC early — it makes everything way smoother.

What skills or partnerships should I be focusing on building first (GC, architect, lender, engineer, etc.)?

Patterns show up faster than emotions do.Rising repair costs haven’t hurt us as much because we engineered the operations to reduce the number of unknowns.

Many people argued he should use a twin-engine plane for reliability—if one engine failed, the other would keep him aloft.

The firm I work for does this to an extent for our engineering projects, but we also regularly work with other consultants that only do this when the client brings them on board.

Definitely agree that this region is under-served on BiggerPockets — happy to explore how local permitting and engineering factors could support additional pipeline deals here. lets hop on the phone and chat later this week I am in the mountains of Utah fishing right now.. later this week will work though