Hello from SF Bay Area....

[Joel G.]

Hello all...I've been reading BP for a while and joined about a week ago. My wife and I live and work in the middle of Silicon Valley. We are originally from Texas and we own a SFR in Las Vegas that is rented (with a story)...more about that at a later time. We are currently finishing renovation on the home we live in, and I have extensive experience with remodeling, renovations and landscaping.

My wife Tammy is a legal asst in a worldwide law firm, and I work as a Emergency Room nurse. 

I am more of a novice in RE investing and have been studying for quite some time...but have trouble pulling the trigger at times...paralysis by analysis. While Tammy is very new to the arena.

We just wanted to say hello and that we hope our experience will add to the community at large and hope to learn from all of you as well.

[Account Closed]

Hi Joel, I used to manage a 26 unit building in Santa Clara.  If I can be of help with dealing with tenants, I'm happy to.

Congrats on your adventure.  I loved renting to grad students.  If I had money to buy, I'd look at Chico or Arcata.  Even during the crash, because we were next to a university (SCU), we always had a market for our units.  If I was investing, I'd buy in a university town that had grad students.  Then, market to the law school.  Law students are great, especially if you can get them in their 1st year.  They will normally stay at least 3 years and they're quiet and pay and don't cause damage.  

I also had a referral system where I'd give my tenants $100 rent credit if I rented to someone they referred.  They'd refer more law students to me.  I often had a waiting list.

Just food for thought.  I am retired and have no skin in the game anymore.  I wish you and your wife great success!