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The 10 Best AI Stocks to Own in 2026
AI is moving from experiment… to essential.
Every major industry is integrating it.
Every major company is investing in it.
By late 2025, AI was already an $800B market — growing at a pace that could push it well beyond $1 trillion in the years ahead.
Cloud infrastructure is scaling fast.
AI-enabled devices are multiplying.
Automation is becoming standard.
But here’s the real question…
When trillions flow into this transformation — which stocks stand to benefit most?
Our new report reveals 10 AI stocks positioned across the backbone of this shift — from the companies powering the infrastructure… to those embedding intelligence into everyday systems.
If you want exposure to one of the defining growth trends of this decade, start here.
What Paperwork Do I Need From My Contractor?
Most contractor problems don't begin with bad contractors. They begin with unclear expectations.
One person thinks the kitchen includes new appliances. The other thinks it doesn't. One person assumes the project will be finished in six weeks. The other is thinking more like three months. One person expects paint on every wall. The other plans to paint only the repaired areas.
Very few are trying to be dishonest. They're simply operating from different assumptions. That's why experienced investors rely on paperwork.
Good paperwork doesn't create trust. Good paperwork creates clarity. And clarity prevents many of the disagreements that can destroy an otherwise good working relationship.
Over the years I've worked with dozens of contractors and completed projects ranging from simple cosmetic rehabs to full-scale renovations. While every project is different, the documents I ask for are remarkably consistent.
The Construction Agreement
This is the foundation of everything else.
This agreement should identify the parties involved, the property address, the payment terms, the responsibilities of each party, and the process for handling disputes or changes. A handshake may feel sufficient when everyone is smiling and excited about the project, but construction has a way of revealing misunderstandings.
A written contract protects everyone involved.
The Scope of Work
If I could keep only one document, this might be the one.
The scope of work defines exactly what is being done. It should specify materials, finishes, quantities, locations, and expectations. The more detailed the scope, the fewer surprises you'll encounter later.
Many disagreements occur because something wasn't written down. The scope of work is where those assumptions get replaced with specifics.
Construction Schedule
Every project should have a timeline. Will the contractor hit every date? Probably not.
But that's not the point.
The schedule establishes expectations and creates accountability. It gives everyone a common understanding of what progress should look like and when major milestones should occur.
Cost Estimates and Draw Schedule
You should know where your money is going.
A detailed estimate breaks costs into categories and provides visibility into labor, materials, and other project expenses. For larger projects, I also recommend a draw schedule tied to completed work rather than calendar dates.
Contractors deserve to be paid promptly. Investors deserve confidence that work has been completed before funds are released.
Insurance, Workers' Compensation, and Licensing
This isn't exciting paperwork. It's also some of the most important paperwork.
If a worker gets injured or property damage occurs, you want to know that proper insurance coverage exists. Verify that policies are current and don't be afraid to request certificates of insurance. Likewise, where required, verify that the contractor's license is active and in good standing.
List of Subcontractors
Many contractors perform only part of the work themselves. Knowing who is actually working on your project can help avoid confusion later. It also provides another layer of accountability and communication if questions arise during construction.
W-9 Forms
This one gets overlooked more often than it should. Collect a W-9 from every contractor or company you pay. Do this BEFORE you pay them the first cent. Trust me on that one. If you write me and ask me to tell you about Mike, I will. When tax season arrives, you'll be glad you did. Chasing paperwork after the project is complete is never as much fun as it sounds.
As-Built Documents and Final Paperwork
For larger renovations, keep copies of permits, inspections, warranties, manuals, and any as-built drawings that document changes made during construction.
Future buyers, lenders, appraisers, and insurance companies sometimes want this information. Having it organized can save a tremendous amount of time later.
The Contractor Pack
Over the course of more than 2,000 transactions over 20 years, our team developed a collection of contractor forms, agreements, scopes of work, checklists, and documents that we used repeatedly in our business. We call it the Contractor Pack.
Rather than simply tell you about these documents, I'm giving them to you for free. Why would I do that? Because I love ya, want ya, need ya, got to have you, child. Great God in heaven, you know I looooove you. (If you're too young to recognize that reference, Google James Brown and enjoy some real music.)
Use them. Modify them. Improve them. Adapt them to your market and your projects.
Just remember that paperwork won't make a bad contractor good. What it will do is create clarity, establish expectations, and dramatically reduce the number of misunderstandings that turn good projects into bad experiences.
The Contractor Pack is free because I genuinely want you to have it.
If it saves you time, money, or a migraine, and you feel inclined to reciprocate, there's a Buy Me a Coffee link below.
Given my well-documented preference for bourbon, the name of the button is admittedly misleading.
NREIG is the nation's largest real estate investment insurance program — month-to-month coverage for vacant, renovation, and tenant-occupied properties across all 50 states, with no long-term commitments and no coinsurance penalties.
Resources
Vetted tools, services, and resources for real estate professionals. We only list what we'd use ourselves. More tools, more resources — browse the full library here.
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🔑 Also Today — Property Management Top Picks
Full Property Management appears Tuesday.
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🎓 Education and Training
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📚 House Flipping in Ten Days — The Amazon #1 International Best Seller. Learn everything you need to know in just ten days. Start flipping houses like it's really done — not like what happens on TV. Order here
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Off Market Properties
Agents, bring your investors! You’re protected. The link will download our preliminary analysis.
🏠 Six packages of Single Family Homes in Atlanta. Can be bought together or separately.
