Here’s my QUICK rehab-cost gut check before you ever swing a hammer in San Antonio:- Separate MUST-FIX vs NICE-TO-HAVE (keep the scope tight).- Cost per sqft is just a STARTING POINT, not a bid.- Walk the 'big-ticket' systems: ROOF / FOUNDATION / HVAC.- Never skip PLUMBING + ELECTRICAL (panel, lines, fixtures, outlets).- Count KITCHENS + BATHS and use unit costs to sanity-check totals.- Check CITY PERMITS + CODE items early (they’re budget busters).- Get 2–3 CONTRACTOR BIDS on the same scope-of-work.- Add a 10–20% CONTINGENCY (older homes deserve it)- Include HOLDING COSTS: financing, utilities, trash, insurance, lawn- Match FINISH LEVEL to the neighborhood + your ARV (don’t over-improve)- Hunt HIDDEN ISSUES: water intrusion, termites, mold- Take measurements + photos, then build a repeatable 'Statement of Work' templateThoughts?

You want to complete your diligence in the most cost effective and methodical sequence possible absent the need to perform the diligence as quickly as possible.

If I were to do a cost seg later in 2026 for my 2026 taxes does it make sense (if I have the money) to do ALL of my improvements in year one on this property (windows, mini-splits, new kitchen appliances, roof) so that I obtain the maximum number of years from these items (meaning they are no longer old) for purposes of the cost segregation. 

It is cost effective, quick and keeps terms consistent.

With holding costs and timelines shifting, many investors are adjusting how they structure deals.What’s been most effective for protecting margins in your recent projects?

Any cost effective training mentorship programs you can suggest for beginners of MFH.

Sharing our Q1 2026 local renovation cost data for the RDU Triangle (NC) for anyone investing or planning projects in this market.

Question: Instead of amortizing these loan cost, can I fully deduct this $11K loan cost because the original loan is paid off?

Holding costs are absolutely destroying margins right now.

I’ve been hearing a lot about cost segregation studies and have a few questions…- What are some of the key factors that determine whether a cost segregation study makes sense?