Introducing Small-Scale Sundays

Hello friends —

It’s been a busy few months at 501 Main. Thanks for bearing with me while I ramped up.

Things are going well. My first time in commercial construction, it’s like drinking from the fire hose. Or rather a 6” water main.

BUT, that’s not why I’m writing today.

I started Brick + Mortar a little over a year ago. And that was one of the best decisions I made in 2021.

I’ve met and learned from so many talented folks like you across industries, states, and backgrounds.

And, in doing so, I’ve noticed a recurring theme.

There is a healthy number of you that have expressed interest in tackling your own small-scale projects. Through our conversations, I’ve come to realize two things:

1. Small-scale development is a lost art (not that I’ve cracked the code—I am still stumbling along)

2. We need many more small-scale developers

Look around your community—how many vacant and dilapidated properties can you pick out?

People in our communities should feel empowered to buy and fix these up. Not just out-of-state investment firms.

And if you’re saying: well, I can’t do that. I would challenge you. Three years ago, I didn’t know the first thing about real estate or construction. No joke, I spent my nights googling “how are buildings built” because I was so clueless.

But here I am. Somehow managing the development of a 3-story apartment building. All without any formal education or training.

The point is: I am not special.

We all have the capacity to be small-scale real estate developers. And, if you’re passionate about improving your community and want a great way to build generational wealth, it’s something you should seriously consider.

It starts small. Converting an attic into an apartment. Buying a duplex and living in one unit while fixing up the other. The options are limitless.

So…

I’m going to pivot Brick + Mortar slightly.

3-2-1 is going away.

In its place, I’ll send one actionable tip each week (perhaps bi-weekly) on a topic related to small-scale development: acquisition, financing, design, construction, or operations.

The goal is to help folks tackle their next real estate project. Whether that’s creating an ADU, renovating a triplex, or building ground up.

I’m calling it Small-Scale Sundays and the first one will drop tomorrow morning on a topic that I’ve wanted to write about for awhile: what you need to know about setting rents.

Stay tuned.

And let me know what project you’re working on (or thinking up) by responding to this email. If I can help, I will.

Let’s build together.

— Jonah

P.S. Want to connect? Find me on LinkedIn and my projects on Instagram.