Newbie from Lansing / Portland, Michigan

[Brice Furr]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Brice Furr. I am 32 years old, an engineering student at Michigan State University, and an Army Veteran. Unlike most college students I have already started my life with a family and a home. I have been looking into real estate investing as a means to build wealth while I work as an engineer after graduation. I am solidly skilled in do it yourself home renovation and would like to translate these skills into a buy and hold strategy with single and multi-family units in the Lansing and Portland area. My first move in this direction will likely be renting out my current home after my family upgrades post graduation. I would love to hear from anyone who has tips on turning a starter home into a first rental property. 

Looking forward to getting involved in the Lansing investment community

Thanks!

[Jake Thomas]

@Brice Furr

Welcome to the site. I am in GR but venture as far as Portland from time to time. If you have any questions on anything feel free to reach out.

My biggest words of advice for converting your primary to a rental are to not get to emotionally attached. You have to understand that your tenants one day (most likely) will not treat the house like you did. You may have a higher end home with higher end tenants but you have to still take the emotion out of it when you do an inspection and notice things you wouldn't normally approve of (trash, landscaping not perfect, dirty carpets etc.)

I have been through this as I turned my primary into a college rental years ago. It's not a slum but they are also not as meticulous as I once was.

Otherwise good luck.