Hi from retired single lady in Ga.

[Virginia A Schafer]

I have bumbled through properties sales, rentals, mortgages, etc. mainly because of moving so much with ex.  However, I also have a knack for seeing a dysfunctional property in all of its glory.  (Something you guys talked about - knowing your talents.) I think I have remodeled or supervised remodeling for 10 houses over my lifetime so far, and bought and sold almost twenty.  Some properties I did well on and some not so much...so I think training, knowledge, and experience can be a good help - especially to those wanting a business and are young enough to go the whole hog. I currently, for the first time in all my buying, have on purpose bought an investment house.  It came to be because my new boyfriend is a wiz at remodeling and usually is a one-man-band.   This kind of thing makes him so happy (and occupied) that I was afraid he was going to build the next Winchester house at his home in MI.  I finally talked him into putting his talents into an investment house (a partnership) for retirement income.  I enlisted a talented agent in the neighborhood and got an older house (much-needed updated rental) not far from my house. We paid cash, and got most of our supplies from habitat restore, salvage stores, and clearance markets.   This, along with his fast and efficient labor (being a retired engineer)  is saving us a bundle and this house is a place either of us would be proud to live.  I do know a little about rentals but was going to try to manage it myself but finding the right renter really terrifies me as I have had the wrong one before and it is a nightmare.  I think we made the right choice on the property however it probably is more of a gut thing than an analysis. (looking at property values in the area and future growth).  I also want to get the most rent for the place .  Do you all have podcasts that would give me the info I need?  for a small Ga Town!  Also when you use a lease, do you suggest a general lease with addendums?  Where Can I get a background check for prospective renters?   

Thanks for the info and nice to find this forum.