Should we buy first rental that needs at least $10k in repairs?

Should we buy first rental that needs at least $10k in repairs?

Oakland, CA · Member since 2017 · 3 posts · 0 votes

Hi everyone. We're looking to buy our first rental property in Philadelphia (South Philly, east of Passyunk). We found a cute 2 bedroom, 1 bath row house with a nice yard and offered $155k (originally listed for $159k), which was accepted. Median home price seems to be around $220k, properties in this price range seem few and far between. Upon inspection, we discovered a host of issues, including an active water leak in one of the basement walls, roofing issues, along with some smaller cosmetic issues that aren't urgent. We're looking at at least $10k in repairs from the get-go. The property has tenants under lease through the end of January 2018 who pay $1000 per month. They may move out sooner since they're relocating to CA. 

Anyways, we asked for a $10k credit and just heard back from the agent that they would go down $1.5k, but that's it. We live in California and plan on having a property manager but are nervous about taking on big repairs without being around to oversee them. We will be putting $55k down and have a 15 year mortgage at 3.85%. We're looking at the following costs:

principal and interest: $733

taxes: $134.17

insurance: $55

property manager: $80

That's a monthly total of $1002. I'm pretty sure we can find renters in the $1200-$1300 range once the current tenants move out in a few months, which will provide the necessary cushioning for vacancy and repair costs. We'll be scraping by until they move out. What gives me pause is the repairs we're looking at right away... I'm torn. I guess we could also get a 30 year mortgage but part of what makes this an appealing investment is the quick pay off on the loan. I'm eager to get into real estate and start building some equity and it seems like this area of Philly is getting better and better and is popular. We might even live there down the road... I'm just scared by all the issues that came up in the inspection. What do you think? Should we go for it or walk away?

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Investor · Saint Louis, MO · Member since 2017 · 89 posts · 44 votes
9y

walk away, property not worth even $100,000 if you are looking for cashflow

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  • Investor · Saint Louis, MO · Member since 2017 · 89 posts · 44 votes
    9y

    walk away, property not worth even $100,000 if you are looking for cashflow

  • Rental Property Investor · St. Petersburg, FL · Member since 2017 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    9y
    You're cash flow negative before any reserves. I would keep looking. You should be able to get over the 1% rule anywhere near Philly, this is not even close.
  • Realtor · Nolensville, TN · Member since 2016 · 94 posts · 29 votes
    9y
    @Ana Guzina I wouldn't do this deal. Your monthly amount does not include vacancy or repairs. So you're "hoping" you get current tenants out, raise rents and then get other tenants. Only then would you be in positive cash flow to cover vacancy and repairs. These two things are inevitable. You should factor in a percentage for both of these when analyzing a deal. Good luck!
  • Oakland, CA · Member since 2017 · 3 posts · 0 votes
    9y

    Thanks everyone for the input. The tenants are covering all the utilities so we're good on that... but this is a good reality check. 

  • Investor · Bethlehem, PA · Member since 2016 · 229 posts · 122 votes
    9y

    I would not do this deal. Doesn't seem worth it.

  • Lender · Berkeley, CA · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 549 votes
    9y

    Where is it?  Send me an email.  I'll go look at it for you if you need eyes on the ground.

    In return, when I come back to Oakland we crash at your place :-)

    We'll buy you beer at Faction...

  • Oakland, CA · Member since 2017 · 3 posts · 0 votes
    9y

    Thanks for that offer, David. We were just out there checking it out and getting the inspection done last week, so we're good. But that's a fair trade. :) I love Faction, they just started bottling, let me know if you want me to mail you a few. 

  • Property Manager · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2015 · 515 posts · 196 votes
    9y

    @Ana G. You might want to analyze to see how the numbers add up you put more than $10 into it. The concept is to force appreciation. I'm not sure if there is room for improvement, that would still keep it within the reasonable reach of the neighborhood; but  the right improvements can improve your equity far above the spend.

  • Rental Property Investor · Mount Vernon, NY · Member since 2016 · 89 posts · 125 votes
    9y

    @Ana G. What's your strategy? Answering this will help you decide whether or not to pull the trigger. If cash flow is a determining factor I'd personally walk from this and consider 19139, 19131, 19143, 19151, 19132, 19121 as potential buy and hold zip codes. 

    Now if appreciation is your long term goal and you personally feel that there is room for property values in the area to grow even after discounting for inflation and can sustain the monthly expenses then go for it. 

    I'd personally walk, but that's due to the fact that my strategy is cash flow and I base my decisions on the fundamentals rather than the speculative aspect of appreciation. 

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