How do weekly labor draws work for rehab projects?

We quote your full project price upfront. Instead of paying 30-50% as a deposit, you pay weekly as labor progresses. Each payment is credited toward your project total. Draws start at $4k/week for smaller projects and scale with project size. Materials are separate: we provide detailed lists and you purchase directly, so you control the spend.

Is SLH a project manager or contractor?

We're the licensed general contractor. Our crews do the work: demo, framing, plumbing, electrical, finishes, everything. We're not a middleman coordinating other contractors.

Why do investors purchase materials separately?

Transparency. Traditional contractors mark up materials or bundle them so you can't see what you're paying. We provide detailed material lists with quantities and timing. You buy directly from suppliers at cost. No hidden markup, full visibility.

What payment methods do you accept for rehab projects?

The $150 scope fee can be paid by credit card. All other payments (weekly labor draws, final balances) are wire transfer, check, or cash only. No credit cards for project payments.

How do I qualify for Portfolio Partner pricing?

You qualify with either 3 or more concurrent projects OR a commitment to 5+ projects per year. This gives you 10% off weekly labor draw rates plus priority scheduling and included pre-acquisition estimates.

Do you handle permits for rehab projects?

Yes, as an add-on service. We manage the entire permit process including applications, coordinating inspections, and maintaining documentation. Permit fees are passed through at cost.

Should I rehab a rental the same as a flip?

No. Flips prioritize visual impact to maximize sale price. Rentals prioritize durability to minimize maintenance costs and maximize rent longevity. Different exits require different scope decisions.

What materials should I use for a rental vs. a flip?

Rentals need more durable options: commercial-grade LVP, semi-gloss paint on high-touch areas, standard chrome fixtures with available parts, laminate or granite counters. Flips can go trendier with less durability concern.

How does budget allocation differ?

Flips put the most money into kitchen and visual impact. Rentals put the most money into systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) to prevent expensive maintenance calls.

What is included in the $150 scope visit?

Full walkthrough and scope of work customized for your exit strategy - flip, rental, or BRRRR. Materials, finishes, and budget allocation matched to your goals.

How does BRRRR scope differ from pure flip or rental?

BRRRR combines flip-grade aesthetics (for the appraisal) with rental-grade durability (for the tenant). It is a hybrid spec designed for two different audiences.

Rehab to Rent vs. Rehab to Flip: Strategy Changes Everything

Your exit strategy should change every decision in the rehab. The kitchen that wins a flip sale is not the same kitchen that performs well as a rental. The timeline pressure is different. The budget logic is different. Even the paint finish should be different.

If you're rehabbing the same way for rent and flip, you're leaving money on the table on both.

The Fundamental Difference

Flip rehab goal: Maximize visual impact to drive the highest possible sale price.

Rental rehab goal: Create a functional, durable space that commands market rent and minimizes maintenance costs.

These are different goals. They produce different scope decisions.

Materials: Visual vs. Durable

| Item | Flip Choice | Rental Choice | Why | |---|---|---|---| | Flooring | LVP or engineered hardwood | LVP (thicker, commercial grade) | Scratch resistance and replacement cost | | Countertops | Quartz or granite | Granite or laminate | Durability vs. cost recovery | | Paint finish | Eggshell walls, semi-gloss trim | Semi-gloss everything high-touch | Wipeable for tenant wear | | Cabinets | Shaker with soft-close | Shaker, standard hinges | Soft-close hinges break and need replacement | | Fixtures | Trendy styles (matte black) | Standard chrome | Parts availability for repairs | | Appliances | Stainless steel | White or black (market dependent) | Stainless shows fingerprints and scratches |

Budget Allocation

Flip budget priorities (in order):

Kitchen (biggest visual impact on sale price)
Bathrooms
Flooring
Paint and curb appeal
Systems (only if needed for inspection)

Rental budget priorities (in order):

Systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical - prevent expensive calls)
Kitchen (functional, not fancy)
Bathrooms (functional, durable)
Flooring (durability first)
Paint (easy to touch up between tenants)

On a flip, the kitchen might get 25% of the budget. On a rental, HVAC and plumbing get 25% because they prevent $500 emergency calls at 2 AM.

Timeline Differences

Flip: Speed matters. Every day is holding costs plus market risk. Get it done fast and list it.

Rental: Speed still matters (holding costs and lost rent), but not at the expense of doing systems right. A plumbing shortcut that leaks in 6 months costs you a $300 service call plus potential tenant damage claims.

The Hybrid: BRRRR

BRRRR straddles both strategies. You're rehabbing for:

Appraised value (like a flip)
Tenant durability (like a rental)
Rental income (like a rental)

This means BRRRR specs are a blend: flip-grade aesthetics with rental-grade durability. The appraiser needs to see updated finishes. The tenant needs them to last.

How We Handle It at Seller's Little Helpers

When you book a scope visit, the first question we ask is: "Flip or rental?" Because the scope changes.

We spec materials, finishes, and budget allocation based on your exit strategy. Flip clients get visual impact. Rental clients get durability. BRRRR clients get both. Same crew, different approach.

Book a $150 scope visit at sellerslittlehelpers.com - tell us your exit strategy and we'll scope the rehab to match. Call (708) 536-6700 or email info@sellerslittlehelpers.com.

Rehab to Rent vs. Rehab to Flip: How the Strategy Changes Everything