Question:
What would be the best strategy & (low cost) to start a Plumbing/Water Treatment Business in the Atlanta area?

Looking for a jump start into the Plumbing Service/repair business in Atlanta. Currently in my third year running a Plumbing Service business (Licensed Plumber/Contractor) here in Chicago Suburbs. Also have certifications in Water Treatment, water purification and backflow prevention.

Answer: One aspect of plumbing that always seemed like a great start-up to me (since I saw it done in MA):

Hot-water heater replacements. That's it. All you do. So you stock maybe 4 or 6 models. Travel with 3 in your van and the basic copper and CPVC pipe and fittings to install one. And a really good dolly with a ratcheting strap. And who needs or wants a store-front anymore? A cellphone and voicemail is all you need.

And here's the slam-dunk if you have some money to invest: Offer rental HWHs. Like $12/month. You're into for the wholesale cost ($100 or so) plus a few parts and labor. You make back your capital in less than a year. And every year thereafter. For 10, 20 years or more. Because some people don't have retail price + parts + labor ($350?) laying around. And even more people would rather spend that on a new wide-screen TV and pay you $12/month forever. Even landlords - they might just hang it on to the rent and save themselves the up-front costs.

Bust your butt until the rental income exceeds your income needs, do a 2-3 more years of part time and then retire.

Because whoever needs a HWH replaced, needs it NOW!

Obivously you want a good contract drawn up. And you need to (emotionally) accept that some 5% will welch on you and another 15-20% will go bad over the years. A cost of doing business.

I talked about this with a very good CPA and he was sure one could take it to the bank (literally). It pencils out as a very solid business proposal.