True fans of ABC's The Bachelor know that one of the best parts of the show is the often bizarre occupations listed under the contestants names. But, for JoJo Fletcher, who ultimately came in second place on her first appearance and was awarded with her own season, the title real estate developer is more significant than that of the Bachelorette ever was. Yes, before Fletcher was the Bachelorette, she was a property owner from Dallas. "This is not a new hobby!" Fletcher says of remodeling and flipping homes, something she's been doing since she was young. "I don’t think people know what my background is, but when I was younger, my mom did real estate development and I learned from her." Fletcher's first redesign started while the Texas native was attending Baylor University and her mother agreed to build a home for her daughter and her friends if Fletcher designed it herself. Three years ago, Fletcher, 27, journeyed out on her own and created JHF Realty Development LLC, her own one-woman show. Below, the reality star, now an ambassador for Marcus by Goldman Sachs, gives us her best tips on saving money during a renovation, what to look for in a fixer-upper, and how her famous fiancé, football player Aaron Rodgers's younger brother Jordan, helps with the whole thing.

Photo: Courtesy of Marcus by Goldman Sachs

Architectural Digest: How did you get started flipping homes?

JoJo Fletcher: When I was younger, my mom had an apartment complex that she actually renovated from ground up, and me and my brothers would go in and help her. So, early on, I got a taste of real estate and design. And then, when I was in college, that’s when I started becoming hands-on.

AD: What advice did your mom give you about renovation?

JF: The biggest piece of advice she gave me was to be smart with my money. When you start planning, you get carried away with what you want, like the fixtures, and it all adds up so quickly. You need a game plan.

AD: If someone's new to the flipping game, what money advice might you offer?

JF: First and foremost: Create a budget and give yourself some wiggle room. If you don’t have the cash, look into home improvement loans like Marcus by Goldman Sachs. I always say to account for 15 to 20 percent more than what you think it’s going to cost, because you could always run into problems. I’m always over budget at the end of the day. And in general, as far as design, preplan. Do a design board, find an inspiration, create a focal point. I also think just don’t be scared to go for it. It’s your home, do what makes you happy. If you want to put in a funky cool wallpaper, do it. Don’t feel like you have to stick to a trend or a theme.