Elizabeth,

I thought I'd post the link to the FL construction contracting laws so you don't have to go digging

http://www.leg. state.fl. us/statutes/ index.cfm? App_mode= Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0489/PART02. HTM

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Betsy

Detroit and Baltimore would not be places where you would like to have an abundance of real estate investments. It's a little rough in those locations as well as others throughout the USA.

One of my first rules when I invest in anything, be it stocks, collectible autos, antiques or real estate, I make sure I know the market. Very difficult to know the market in Detroit if you live in Florida. Come to think of it, it's difficult to know the market in Detroit if you live in Detroit.

It's nice to be compassionate, but taking another path might serve you better in the long run.

By the way, good luck on your first flip. All the response you received was excellent information. I'll add my comments by saying I don't deal with anyone that is not licensed if they are suppose to have a license. You need to check you local codes to see who meets this requirement. It's ok for a "handyman" to do things like painting, yard work, minor trim repair, stuff like that.

You are taking the proper first steps by asking about what you don't know to those that do.

David Ginn
Jacksonville
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Betsy, If you think doing business in Jacksonville is tough, just imagine what it would be doing business in Detroit some 2-3000 miles away.

Just food for thought

Paul Chebi

PS: does anybody know what kind of activity is going on with the new jaxreia@yahoo networking site? I posted a message on it yesterday to test activity and did not get a single response, not even to myself which is usually the case when you send a message to the group. Maybe still tied up with moderator approval?
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Sylvie, Fabian, Kim, and Laban,

Thanks so much for all your advice! It would be good to learn the
Florida statutes because I don't want to have anything come back
and haunt me!
I do think the job is a little bigger than I would have
preferred for my first flip but I looked a long time for a property I
really liked and could see myself living in, and afford! I believe I will create
the kind of working relationships I will want for this rehab work
with time!
On a completely different note, has anybody thought of investing
in Detroit? I don't know the area but the foreclosure rate and
unemployment rate are crazy there. It seems like Detroit could
really use some help from some compassionate investors. Folks
that can stand to wait years to see any profit.
The best to you all,
Betsy Kaupa
904 997 6924

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Betsy, you would be wise to familiarize yourself with Florida statutes concerning contractors if you are indeed contracting someone else to do non-exempt work.

If he's a principal in the deal, such as in the case of a sweat equity lease/option type deal where the handyman also has equitable interest in the property, then he can be exempt. But its certainly worth taking an afternoon or evening to read up, or consult a legal professional to be certain you are not doing something that can come back and haunt you.

Laban Johnson
http://www.labanjoh nson.com

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Markets will always correct themselves when reality sets in. What is adversity for some is opportunity for others.

I always keep in mind that "the news" is a TV show, written and directed to sell commercials. They rehash and sensationalize old reports to make it sound like 'news'. I do not trust CNBC, nor the insider experts which are paid to go on CNBC and lie.

Laban Johnson
http://www.labanjoh nson.com

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Betsy,

That is a big job to have someone do even IF they have a contractor's
license. I would consider using a handyman on a much smaller job, but
probably not for this. You have to always look out for yourself and
keep very close tabs on all your workers. Do not ever pay a
contractor up front.

It is very difficult for me since I still have a full-time job and
cannot babysit the workers. You need to think long and hard about who
you choose to do the job.

GOOD LUCK!

Kim Wisdom
Stomping Ground, Inc.
904-264-7079

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