True story regarding rose bushes....I have a nurse friend and when we go up to Atlanta we trade ER/hospital horror stories (we both work in the medical field).She tells me the story of a fellow who is out working in his rose garden, trips, falls forward right on a thick cane of a rose bush that pierces his orbital cavity (the space above one eye).

I had to replace it at my cost with an approved one.I think the real issue here is rehab contractors by and large do not have the funds to carry a job they need money up front or at least weekly.In the home building trades.

The OED’s earliest citation, from 1892, is in Dialect Notes, a journal of the American Dialect Society: “To trade knives sight unseen is to swap without seeing each other’s knife.”

Make sure you have all trades ready to go before rehab start and do your best to make the outside of the house look like there is no work going on (For example: Don't leave any trash in the front yard over night)Also, don't overcapitalize on the work.I like the saying "Nothing sexy, nothing flash just very fundamental"Most of the tenants will not look after the property and a paint and new carpet will be needed after ever vacancy.We bought and rehabbed quite a few in rougher areas but had great systems in place to make it work for everyone.Thanks and have a great day.

Joel, I appreciate you correcting and pointing out the distinction that you are speaking of handymen, not trades professionals.

Whether that means holding the financing, making a trade, or using your skills to discount the seller's hospital debt (the real reason they need to sell) - Be creative in your alternative to cash.I recently closed a deal where I was able to trade a decent used car for a mobile home with all appliances plus an old beater car in return.

Im not a painter, and ive had issues with every trade at some point When does the painter become the maid?

Dan SchemerhornI'm a framing contractor by trade with a builders lic.

Mostly all the professional (lawyers, accountants, etc.) who ply their trade in real estate, probate, etc, know or quickly learn who the experienced, well funded players are.

Take advantage of the equity I have and try to locate larger commercial buildings and trade up?