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Updated about 6 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

437
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468
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Michael Doherty
  • Real Estate Agent
  • West Hartford, Ct
468
Votes |
437
Posts

Do lawn-care/snow removal myself or hire out?

Michael Doherty
  • Real Estate Agent
  • West Hartford, Ct
Posted

Hi all- looking for opinions on whether or not I should hire out for lawn care and snow removal on my properties or buy a truck and do it myself... let me explain my situation. 

I currently do not own a truck but would really like a beater truck to have for random things and project ect... As of right now, I own 2 Multi-Family properties and my gf is closing on another (3 total). Our plan is to keep acquiring more and build a portfolio. 

I keep going back and forth on whether or not I should mow and do the snow removal on all 3 properties or hire out. Albeit, 2 of the properties are within 5 miles of each of each other and the 3rd is 25 mins away. None of them have extensively big yards or driveways and realistically would take 20 mins to mow and less to plow.

Couple things to think about: I currently work 40 hours a week.... would you really want to spend your weekends and week nights taking care of this? Opportunity cost of looking at other deals/ enjoying life. You Could write off the landscaping/snow removal. In my area the cost of mowing every other week would be roughly 50-60 bucks per month per house. Snow removal is anywhere from 35-50 a driveway. I live in New England so there could be snow twice a week or once a month. Can you really justify paying someone to do the work when you live close, are you just being lazy?

Lastly and thank you for bearing with me, I have plans on purchasing a truck regardless..... so it's not whether or not to buy a truck or not... it's at what point do you hire out and build a good system/network or take care of yourself? 

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

179
Posts
192
Votes
David Cruice
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Raleigh, NC
192
Votes |
179
Posts
David Cruice
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Raleigh, NC
Replied

@Michael Doherty , what's going to provide you with the best return on investment of your time:  Cutting grass and shoveling snow or networking and lining up your next deal?  A no-brainer really.  

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