When I purchased my first 4-plex, it was in a first ring suburb, in a nice area of town. It was built in 1985. You could throw a rock outside the complex, and hit $300K homes on all sides. By anyone’s definition, this should be a great place. Unfortunately, the apartment classification was less than to be desired. Continue reading “How I turned a Class ‘D’ Apartment Classification complex into a Class ‘B’ complex.”
Renter Horror Story – Mike The Murderer
All landlords have a renter horror story, I am no different. As a landlord, I meet many interesting people. As a Section 8 landlord in my early days, the people were MUCH more interesting. Now I meet people who have jobs, might have a kid or two (with the same last name), and strive for success in a more standard method. Most have never been arrested, let alone actually ever been in jail. Quite a boring life… Continue reading “Renter Horror Story – Mike The Murderer”
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My Eleventh Investment Property and Fifth Four-Plex
My eleventh Investment property was probably my most risky and most creative property I have ever purchased. It was not a REO, not even a short sale. I did not even buy the property itself, I bought the underlying mortgage from the bank. Continue reading “My Eleventh Investment Property and Fifth Four-Plex”
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Investment Property for Financial Independence
When I first became a landlord, it was somewhat by accident. I didn’t even know I needed financial independence. I wasn’t sure what to do, and how to do it. I had a solid six-figure income job, and was able to weather out any storms. I left one place vacant for 18+ months, because I didn’t have the time to work on it. I took in some bad tenants, and suffered some aggravation. Luckily, I had the income and backup capital to weather any storms. Continue reading “Investment Property for Financial Independence”
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It’s like Finding Free Money!
If you have ever found a $1 bill on the ground, you sometimes feel like you just scammed the entire world. Free Money! It’s not like you just saw someone drop it, but you see a dollar bill and no one is around. Somehow, that measly $1 is very enjoyable feeling. Even a quarter, when there are also a few other coins around, feels great. Continue reading “It’s like Finding Free Money!”
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Marketing Rental Property is like Selling Bananas
I am always surprised when a landlord cannot get their place rented. Sometimes, they say “I am waiting on the ‘right’ tenant”. It all boils down to marketing rental property properly. Continue reading “Marketing Rental Property is like Selling Bananas”
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Attorneys Clause in Leases
Most residential leases have a clause in them that say the tenant is responsible for all “Attorney Fees”. This was very common until the Minnesota Tenant’s Bill of Rights passed last year, in 2010. Continue reading “Attorneys Clause in Leases”
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My Eighth Investment Property, my second 4-plex
My eighth investment property was a bit more creative. It was a 4-plex, built in 1984 (i.e. no lead paint issues). All four of the apartments were three bedrooms, 1 bath. As with most of my properties, it was a distressed sale. Continue reading “My Eighth Investment Property, my second 4-plex”
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Why Avoid Tenants with Credit Scores Below 600?
The fact is, about 85% of America has a credit score above 600. At 600, you start to get below a 50% default rate on mortgages, and an even higher default on rents. Remember, you are not looking for an average renter for your quality unit; you want a quality renter for your quality unit. Continue reading “Why Avoid Tenants with Credit Scores Below 600?”
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A Week in the Life of a Landlord – 2014-03-16
A Week in the Life…
What is it really like to follow me in my footsteps? Keep in mind, every day began with my real job, from ~8-~5. This is somewhat is a typical week, maybe even a bit slower than most. Follow me in a week in the life of a landlord. Continue reading “A Week in the Life of a Landlord – 2014-03-16”
