Investor from Crown Point, IN

[David Hedges]

Hello all, 

I have been slowly buying rental houses in the NW Indiana area, though slowly. My first rental house had been purchased in 2005, and most recent October of 2015. Between my wife and I we now have 4 rental properties, 3 in NW indiana, and 1 in China. 

In the past I had managed my properties myself, and with all the trouble I had with a few tenants, over time came to realize that for me at least, property management makes a lot of sense. I gave me back my evenings and weekends, as before it seemed like I was always either chasing after some tenant issue, or had something to repair. I saw a lot of that as valuable though, because without experiencing some of this, I don't think I'd have as much respect for what my property manager I currently have does for me. 

So, what brings me to BiggerPockets. I had been listening to the podcasts, and it seemed like I should try to reach out and try to place myself into places where I can be exposed to new ideas, and where I can learn from people who may have some experience I don't. over the past few years I've also joined my local RIA (which some members seem to promote bigger pockets as well), and have been to a few real estate expos (the most recent being one in Dallas, TX back in Feb.)

Dave

[David Hedges]

Hi Ken and Tyrell, 

So the house in China is my wife's old house. That is the only one that really isn't profitable at the moment, though once the short term loan on it is paid off later in the year, it should be ok. Her family actually helps with some of the management on that property, and overall it's been similar to working with my property manager from around here. Property over there does seem to cost a bit less, but rents are also way lower, and I had found out that most tenants there expect their apartment to be furnished. The upside is repairs and maintenance costs are far lower than in the US, though mostly because labor there is cheep, and there you don't need to deal with getting permits for most work. 

Rick, 

I joined NICIA last year (www.nicia.org). They meet in Merrillville, and I hadn't heard of others in the area.