
← Assisted Living Investing19 Sept · 29 min
This $1,000,000 Mistake Almost Ruined My Deal EP 164
<p>I have seen a property with a water line just one mile away turn into a $1,000,000 problem. He's watched deals collapse over sewer access, septic requirements, fire-water capacity, drainage, and permitting timelines, issues buyers never saw coming because they didn't know to look.Getting through zoning does NOT mean you have a good deal.In this episode of the Assisted Living Investing Podcast, I break down the "secret deal killers" that show up after zoning, and exactly what to ask your building department, city engineer, fire officials, and utility providers before you spend a dollar on architects or engineers.If you're evaluating land for an Assisted Living, Memory Care, or Real Estate Assisted Living (RAL) project, this episode could save you six figures, or save you from a deal that was never buildable in the first place.🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE:✅ Why zoning is only the beginning of due diligence✅ Zoning type vs. occupancy/building type — and why it matters✅ How building codes change your construction requirements✅ The permits and jurisdictions you need to identify early✅ Why permitting takes 2 months in one city and 12+ in another✅ How water access can become a $1M deal killer✅ Potable water vs. fire water — and why the difference matters✅ Why a water line at the property doesn't mean you can use it✅ When wells actually make sense (and when they don't)✅ Hidden costs in sewer access and septic requirements✅ Drainage, detention ponds, and impervious coverage explained✅ The questions to ask BEFORE hiring architects or engineers✅ Brett's $20,000 "Hard Knocks" lesson✅ When to extend due diligence — and when to walk away⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 – The $1,000,000 water-line mistake01:00 – The "secret deal killers" nobody talks about02:00 – The one big deal that can create financial freedom03:01 – What happens after planning & zoning?03:27 – Zoning type vs. occupancy type04:19 – Building codes you need to understand05:09 – Which code edition is your city using?05:55 – Understanding your permits07:45 – How long can permitting take?08:37 – When city requirements can kill a deal09:37 – Why you shouldn't put all your eggs in one city10:45 – The building department checklist11:58 – Connecting with the city engineer12:14 – Why utilities are a major deal killer12:24 – Using GIS to research a property13:00 – How to approach the city13:30 – Water: the biggest potential deal killer14:03 – Water tap fees can reach $70