., 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?”

They haven’t yet signed the lease or paid the deposit.

These will be existing cash flowing properties not tied to one or two leases.  

Hey everyone, I’ve been digging into the BiggerPockets podcasts lately, and from what I’ve heard for buy and hold investing Dave often targets 8-12 % cash-on-cash returns on small multifamily deals, especially in more affordable markets. 

Because of that, I usually prefer to have financing mostly dialed in so I can jump on properties in that 120–180k range that hit the 1% rule and cash flow right away.

You're being encouraged to finance people's earnest money deposits.

How much cash are you injecting into the deal?

I aim for a property that will provide both cash flow and appreciation.Some years, your cash-flow will be high and your appreciation will be lowSome years, cash flow will be low and appreciation will be highSome years, both will be lowSome years, both will be high.If your cash-flow is atleast positive, the property itself won't force you to sell the property.

As a lender, here are the programs I can support investors with:• Conventional loans• FHA, VA, USDA• DSCR Loans (short-term rental + long-term rental)• Fix-and-Flip financing• Bridge loans• Construction & renovation loans• Ground-up development financing• Portfolio loans• Bank Statement & Non-QM options• Down Payment Assistance programs• Cash-out refinancing for both residential + investment portfolios I’d love to connect and be a resource as you continue scaling toward 100+ units.

What you are finding out is that spreadsheet cash flow is not the same as real life.