Great topic — ground-up projects can produce strong margins, but execution risk is where many investors get caught off guard.From the builder/developer side, the biggest challenges we consistently see are:1️⃣ Site Work UnknownsFill, compaction, drainage, and soil conditions can shift budgets quickly — especially in markets where lot conditions vary significantly.2️⃣ Utilities & Impact FeesWater/sewer access, well/septic requirements, and local impact fees are often underestimated during underwriting.3️⃣ Environmental FactorsProtected species, wetlands, and flood elevation requirements can affect both timelines and build costs.4️⃣ Permit TimelinesApproval periods — particularly when civil or environmental reviews are involved — can extend holding costs beyond initial projections.5️⃣ Builder Execution CapacityProject success often comes down to the operator’s systems, trade relationships, and cycle times — not just the numbers on paper.Because of these hurdles, we’re seeing more investors lean toward ready-to-build projects — where feasibility, plans, and permitting are already in progress or completed — as a way to reduce entitlement risk and shorten timelines.Ground-up can be extremely rewarding, but the upfront diligence and execution planning are what ultimately determine outcomes.Always happy to compare notes with other investors and builders working through similar projects.

Quote from @Israel LoBue: Getting more active again on BiggerPockets and curious what others are seeing in the Nashville market.From my seat, deals that actually close here tend to win on clarity, not hype.For those active in Middle TN, what’s the biggest friction point you’re seeing right now between buyers and wholesalers? 

Biggest issue out of state investors deal with is not understanding the ghetto.

I wouldn't say that is the biggest drawback but definitely one of them. 

These are the small practical challenges that I find making prop mgmt really difficult for us to operationalize.

Aside from rehab overruns, what was the biggest non-construction lesson from your last flip?

One thing that stood out is how many investors have not been exposed to the importance dealing with the same core challenges:• Knowing what to analyze vs over-analyzing• Wanting to network but not knowing how to approach it• Trying to move from “learning mode” to first real dealThis week I’m focused on breaking down:•Simple deal analysis frameworks that don’t require advanced spreadsheets•How to actually start conversations with investors, lenders & agents (without feeling awkward or spammy)•What beginners should prioritize before their first buy-&-holdNo guru talk — just practical steps & real conversations.If you’re early in your investing journey: 👉 What’s your biggest obstacle right now — analysis, capital, confidence or connections?

We're closing around 10 deals a month and couldn't hit that volume without them.Biggest challenge: Training and quality control.

I talk to a lot of out-of-state owners managing rentals in Georgia, and the challenges are almost always the same: delays, documentation, tenant communication, and maintenance.        

The area you are in, Naperville, is awesome, but I am sure the price point can be tricky given the strong competition.I've tried flipping in Chicago on the southside and it wasn't really my jam - My biggest piece of advice is to get VERY narrow on your buy box and look to do the same thing over and over again - BORING IS COOL!