I’m in Indianapolis and for whatever reason we have a million duplexes so this issue is very common.

But that is because I did lots of due diligence on the area I was investing in and allowed for a margin of error on the deal.

Hi everyone,​I’ve been a long-time lurker on BiggerPockets, and I’ve noticed a common theme: the "Building Department" is often where great flips go to stall out.​By day, I’m a Plans Examiner specializing in residential construction.

Tenant paying is most common but always good to know your options and the current pricing! 

For example, schedule who is responsible for water, toilets, dumpsters, construction work hours, general condition, items, clean up on a daily basis, all aspects of the project that are common are in the Bass scope of work and we update the specific scope of work.

It is very common in purchase transactions if you are unfamiliar with business purpose lending. 

Once you have that foundation, expanding into additional markets becomes much easier — especially if you have trusted partners or local contacts.Connecting with more experienced investors in the markets you’re targeting can save you a lot of trial and error.

Quote from @Marc Winter: After just finishing my home inspection recertification, I plugged your question into the system, heres what it said:Most likely cause: Differential movement + thermal expansionThis type of crack is commonly caused by one or more of:Thermal expansion/contraction of a long brick wall (brick expands more than people realize)Lack of control joints in the masonryMinor differential settlement between structural elements (floor line, lintel, or bond beam)Possible interaction with a floor diaphragm or window header lineHow I’d classify itCategory: Non-structural / serviceability crackSeverity: Low to moderateRisk: Usually cosmetic unless it continues to growWhat would confirm thisCrack aligns near a floor levelNo stepped “stair-step” patternNo widening at one endInterior walls at same level may show hairline cracksThe stepped / jagged, diagonal through mortar jointsWhat it looks likeStair-step pattern following mortar jointsChanges direction vertically and horizontallyLocalized area rather than full-lengthSome patched/effloresced areas nearby⚠️ Most likely cause: Foundation movement (settlement or heave)This pattern is classic for:Differential foundation settlementSoil shrink/swell (expansive clay, poor drainage)Localized footing movement (corner or bearing point)The stair-step pattern forms because masonry is weakest at mortar joints, so stress releases there.How I’d classify itCategory: Structural movement crackSeverity: Moderate (possibly increasing)Risk: Needs monitoring; may require repair beyond cosmeticWhat would raise concernCrack width > ~⅛ inchNoticeable brick displacement (one side proud)Interior drywall cracks aligning with this locationDoors/windows near this area sticking🧠 Why these two cracks have different causes (important)Even though they’re on the same wall:1. global wall movement (temperature / restraint)2.  

A common way to structure “money + operator” deals is a preferred return + capital-back-first waterfall: cash flow and sale proceeds first go to the capital partner until their initial investment is returned, often with a preferred return (e.g., 6–10%) before profits are split.

There may be certain building or communities that have contracted brokerages to sell but that is not common.