Just got the call - house is destroyed.

[Krystal Baker]

I am a fairly new investor, and just got a call from my property manager in Kansas City (I'm in California) that the house is destroyed. The property was between tenants, and the manager was there last night to make sure everything was ready for the move in today. When they showed up with the new tenants for the walkthrough today, they found the house is trashed.

All piping and electrical gone, appliances gone, furnace/AC gone, every wall ripped open, flooring destroyed, bathrooms down to the studs. Furnace was still in the living room along with some other things, so they called the police and left - the police are currently waiting in the house, hoping the guys come back.

I'm just sick about this. I've dealt with vandalism, but nothing on this level. They are saying $20k in repairs for a $35k house.

Any ideas? Property manager said that this is the worst she has ever seen a house destroyed, and apparently they did it all in one night.

Property manager is going to contact the insurance company today, and the police say that there are enough fingerprints that they will likely find the guys - not that it will help me any!

Looking for any advice - thanks in advance, guys! Rough day....

[Charles Morgan]

Sounds like you're pretty on top of it. Sorry for your loss.

I have been considering a cell based alarm system for when one of my properties is empty. They are pretty easy to set up and relocate, but since you are a remote investor you would have to arrange that with your property manager.