E55: 7 Must-Checks Before You Buy Your Next Flip

In this episode, we break down the 7 critical factors we evaluate before buying a flip—regardless of the market, neighborhood, or exit strategy. This is the exact checklist we use before making any flip offer, and it’s packed with lessons we’ve learned from doing this for over two decades.If you’re trying to avoid costly mistakes, surprise delays, or deals that turn into dead weight, this one’s a must-listen. We share stories from past flips that didn’t go as planned, and exactly how to budget, inspect, and plan better on your next project.Episode Timeline:[0:00] – What this episode is about: the 7 things we check before every flip[0:25] – Why you don’t want to flip next to a hoarder house[1:13] – How one neighbor’s mess cost us two years of rent delays[2:16] – Neighborhood red flags: crime, sex offenders, and neglected yards[3:50] – How to budget for fences, landscaping, and visual barriers[4:20] – Rental-heavy neighborhoods: flip them or skip them?[5:08] – Rehab timelines: why speed and neighborhood trends matter[6:00] – What delays gas, power, or inspections—and how to avoid it[6:52] – Holding costs, contractor availability, and supply chain issues[7:48] – Why you need a 15% cushion for unknowns[8:04] – Coordinating trades and managing a reliable project schedule[9:25] – Are you acting as the GC—or paying someone who is?[10:17] – How to add value through layout changes and creative renovations[11:39] – Turning formal dining rooms into master suites[12:00] – Creative additions: patios, garages, and mini-splits[12:36] – Checking the comps: how many, how recent, how similar?[13:37] – What finishes and photos tell you about the local market[14:30] – Days on market, pricing trends, and market timing[15:00] – Your action step: pull a property and evaluate it today5 Key Takeaways:Always walk the neighborhood—don’t just look at the house.Rehabs take longer (and cost more) than your contractor promises.Plan for surprises—behind every wall could be termites or worse.Don’t assume you can flip anywhere—comps and neighbors matter.A 15% contingency and strong scheduling will save your profit.Links & Resources:Tools mentioned: Zillow, Rentometer, MLS, Realtor.comMore on our process: JayAndAnnieAdkins.comIf you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend, rate it, and leave a quick review. Every flip starts with a smart buy—use this checklist before you commit.