In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we dive into one of the most important aspects of real estate success: finding the right contractors and building strong, lasting relationships with them. Nate Linsky and Suzanne Andreasen break down practical strategies for networking, vetting, and partnering with reliable contractors, plus how to set expectations, communicate effectively, and use technology to stay on track.
Whether you’re new to investing or managing multiple projects, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes, strengthen your contractor relationships, and create a trusted network that grows with your business.
Key Talking Points of the Episode:
00:00 Introduction
00:52 Why contractors are the foundation of your real estate business
02:46 Finding referrals through REI groups, trade shows, and local networks
05:35 Vetting contractor specialties and avoiding “one-size-fits-all” promises
06:56 Setting clear expectations on budget, timelines, and availability
11:20 Building goodwill: coffee, bagels, and small gestures that matter
12:57 Giving constructive feedback without damaging the relationship
15:30 The role of technology and tools in contractor accountability
17:45 How to track progress with digital communication and geocoded inspections
19:55 Starting small to test contractor reliability before bigger projects
21:31 Trusting instincts vs. making emotional decisions in disputes
22:48 Final takeaways and keeping professionalism at the forefront
Quotables
“Cheapest is not always best—referrals are the gold standard.”
“Be wary of the contractor who says they can do everything. Find people who do one thing extremely well.”
“Trust your instincts, but always act professionally. You never know when you’ll need them again.”
Links
RCN Capital
https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast
https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/
REI INK