How to Build a Reliable Contractor Team (and Keep Them Loyal) 👷️⚖️

Ask any successful real estate investor what their biggest bottleneck is, and most will say the same thing:

“Finding good contractors who actually show up, do good work, and don’t disappear halfway through.”

This guide gives you the exact playbook to build a contractor team you can trust, and how to keep them loyal as you grow.

🔍 Step 1: Where to Find Good Contractors

Don’t just rely on Google or Craigslist. Instead:

• Ask your local real estate investor Facebook groups

• Talk to material suppliers (ask, “Who buys a lot and pays on time?”)

• Visit active flip projects in your area and get names off yard signs

• Ask other investors: “Who do you use for [specific trade]?”

Pro Tip: You’re looking for people who do real estate investor work — not retail homeowners.

📄 Step 2: How to Vet and Interview Them

Before hiring:

• Get 2–3 recent job references and actually call them

• Ask to walk one of their finished projects

• Confirm license & insurance if applicable

• Ask, “What kind of jobs do you prefer? What size do you turn down?”

Warning signs: vague answers, no references, no written bid.

💰 Step 3: How to Pay Them (Without Getting Burned)

Use a draw schedule tied to milestones. Example:

• 25% at material delivery

• 25% after demo & rough-ins

• 25% after drywall & paint

• 25% at final walk-through

Always:

• Use written agreements

• Require lien waivers with each payment

• Never pay 100% up front

🤝 Step 4: Keep the Good Ones Loyal

Once you find a quality contractor, treat them like gold:

• Pay fast and consistently

• Don’t nitpick (unless it matters)

• Give them ongoing projects

• Refer them to other serious investors

Build the relationship and they’ll prioritize you even when their schedule gets full.

✅ Final Thoughts

Your contractor team can make or break your deals. Finding them takes work — but once you do, you can scale with confidence.