u/Crazy-Effective9665

I’m an architectural designer with 10 years of experience, and I’ve always dreamed of getting into house flipping. I have a solid foundation when it comes to design, reading plans, understanding construction, space planning, finishes, etc. But I have zero actual experience as a flipper/investor, and I don’t want to jump into my first project thinking I know more than I actually do.

For those of you who have been doing this for a while, I’d really appreciate advice on how you would approach the beginning if you were in my position.

A few things I’m specifically wondering:

• Would you try to partner with an experienced flipper first to learn the business hands-on, even if it meant making less money initially? Or would you go straight into your own first deal with an investor/financial partner?
• Is taking a house-flipping/real estate investing course actually worthwhile, or is it mostly information you can learn for free through experience, books, YouTube, Reddit, etc.?
• If I partner with an investor who provides the capital, what should I be prepared to bring to the table besides my design/construction knowledge?
• How important is it to have an experienced GC/contractor you trust before doing your first deal?
• What do you wish you had known before your first flip?
• What are the biggest mistakes you see beginners make when analyzing a deal?
• How many deals should I expect to analyze before actually finding one worth pursuing?
• Would you recommend starting with a relatively small cosmetic renovation rather than a major gut renovation?
• What professionals should I build relationships with before looking for my first property? (Realtor, lender, GC, attorney, accountant, etc.)
• Are there any particular books, courses, podcasts, YouTube channels, or other resources you would consider genuinely worthwhile?
• For someone with my background, what would you focus on learning first: financing, deal analysis, finding properties, construction management, or something else?

I want to learn how to do this properly and eventually build a business around it.

If you were starting over today with my background, what would your first 6–12 months look like?

I’d especially love to hear from people who started with little/no investing experience and built their way up. Thanks!

Hi! I'm an architect with 10 years of experience working on larger scale residential projects. I am burnt out and my dream has always been more Interior Design focused.

So I've decidied that I want to start taking side projects in Interior Design but the only part of the process that I am unsure about is furniture sourcing and interior finishes sourcing.

Would love advice of how you started your career without sourcing knowledge and how I can start to build a library and/or relationships with companies to make this part of the process more professional.

Also any other tips for me from anyone who has been in my shoes is so appreciated!

Has anyone dealt with this?
I’ve mostly been able to handle my TMJ pain which ever affects my neck muscles. But this is the second time that I’ve had in intense flare up. All of the muscles in my neck and head are swollen and throbbing. To the point where even swallowing is excruciating pain.

If you’ve had this, How do you help the flare up go back down? I’m not sleeping or working for 2 days because of the pain.