Contractor: Finding contractors that don't cut corners and overcharge is EXTREMELY difficult.

Not advertising a deal, just trying to understand what “market” looks like.Hypothetical (but based on a real situation):- Location: Central Los Angeles, Jefferson Park–type area- Asset: Existing 4-unit multifamily on a single parcel- Context: Within walking distance (~0.5 miles) of an E Line / K Line rail station, so it appears to fall into a transit-oriented development (TOD) pocket that should benefit from SB 79 upzoning (higher minimum density / height / FAR if standards are met)- Ownership: Held in a family trust tied to a probate / conservatorship, with a court-supervised mandate to (a) preserve the asset and (b) use it to support an elderly beneficiaryThe family side can realistically contribute **land only**; they don’t have the balance sheet or cash to run a full entitlement + construction process.

Not advertising a deal, just trying to understand what “market” looks like.Hypothetical (but based on a real situation):- Location: Central Los Angeles, Jefferson Park–type area- Asset: Existing 4-unit multifamily on a single parcel- Context: Within walking distance (~0.5 miles) of an E Line / K Line rail station, so it appears to fall into a transit-oriented development (TOD) pocket that should benefit from SB 79 upzoning (higher minimum density / height / FAR if standards are met)- Ownership: Held in a family trust tied to a probate / conservatorship, with a court-supervised mandate to (a) preserve the asset and (b) use it to support an elderly beneficiaryThe family side can realistically contribute **land only**; they don’t have the balance sheet or cash to run a full entitlement + construction process.

Just steady, focused action.The Bottom LineYour worth as an investor isn’t tied to how many deals you’ve done — it’s tied to how committed you are to improving, learning, and showing up when it’s not easy.If you can stay consistent through the slow seasons, you’ll build something that lasts longer than any short-term win.So the next time you catch yourself comparing your progress to someone else’s… remember:Deals come and go.

I would not be cutting my agent out of the deal, just making sure the option was mentioned.

Tie choice to ROI: rent premium, energy savings, and lower maintenance vs. window units.

It keeps everyone honest.That all ties back to your point on deal analysis.

Most people replying these days are selling something, and their posts are either ChatGPT responses or cut and pasted.

If you plan to use the home during peak season, that’ll definitely cut into profits.

Always interesting to hear different approaches since refinancing can either unlock massive growth or cut into cash flow if done too early.