Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 54%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$69 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
×
Try Pro Features for Free
Start your 7 day free trial. Pick markets, find deals, analyze and manage properties.
All Forum Categories
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

All Forum Posts by: Aaron Zimmerman

Aaron Zimmerman has started 12 posts and replied 554 times.

Post: Inheriting tenants on first time house hack

Aaron Zimmerman
Posted
  • Accountant
  • Chicago, IL
  • Posts 566
  • Votes 281

It might be wise to put in the sale agreement that you want tenants out before purchase. 

Post: Who Knows a great CPA?

Aaron Zimmerman
Posted
  • Accountant
  • Chicago, IL
  • Posts 566
  • Votes 281

I can assist but I am not willing to make recommendations for aggressive tax positions. However, I can assist with leveling up your portfolio and maximizing deductions. Please let me know if I can be of any value. 

Post: Help! Occupied duplex in Chicago that we don't want.

Aaron Zimmerman
Posted
  • Accountant
  • Chicago, IL
  • Posts 566
  • Votes 281

Following

Post: Intro Post/Real-Estate Accounting Resources/Oregon Trail

Aaron Zimmerman
Posted
  • Accountant
  • Chicago, IL
  • Posts 566
  • Votes 281

@Alex Ferraro thanks for the shoutout. 

Andrew- I just PMed you!

Post: Rental Property Investor Will be in Chicago 8/19-23 - Networking?

Aaron Zimmerman
Posted
  • Accountant
  • Chicago, IL
  • Posts 566
  • Votes 281

@Carolina Selva Mark’s podcast is really great. I’ve learned a ton from it - lot of gems.

Just be aware of local laws. It’s very important.

Post: Chicago Low Rent Schedule = FHA Self Sufficiency FAIL

Aaron Zimmerman
Posted
  • Accountant
  • Chicago, IL
  • Posts 566
  • Votes 281

You have two levers that you can pull from: interest rate and insurance. I would recommend fiddling with interest rate first. I would buy the rate down and then bring more cash to close if you absolutely need to. I would also work with your insurance agent to bring down the rate. You can change it within a few months. I had to pull both these levers and bring a little more cash to close. If it's a good opportunity, I would highly recommend pulling these especially if it's a good deal. Please let me know if I can be of any value and PM me. 

Post: Analyzing First House Hack

Aaron Zimmerman
Posted
  • Accountant
  • Chicago, IL
  • Posts 566
  • Votes 281

On the maintenance, capex I would use more as well. Completely agree with Stephen. Something is going to come up. I would probably go with 8-9%. 10% seems like a bit much 

I would say it's not reasonable to eliminate it because you should be thinking of paying for it yourself and at some point you won't want to manage. 

As for tips, I would highly recommend that you can find something that has rents at $1,000 more than the mortgage. That way you can comfortably afford any expenses. I don't know how realistic that is in your market.

Best of luck and feel free to reach out. I'm doing my first house hack in Chicago. I've learned a ton and would be happy to assist. 

Post: This is for my contractors-a word of warning.

Aaron Zimmerman
Posted
  • Accountant
  • Chicago, IL
  • Posts 566
  • Votes 281

Meryl- thank you very much for your insights. I really appreciate hearing these things. I hope everyone will make it and also not be getting on substances. Trying times for everybody for sure. 

Post: What areas around the Chicago land Area good for Rentals?

Aaron Zimmerman
Posted
  • Accountant
  • Chicago, IL
  • Posts 566
  • Votes 281

@John Warren - well done on the 28 doors! Why's it hard to find a deal there?

Post: House Hack: Understanding Tenants

Aaron Zimmerman
Posted
  • Accountant
  • Chicago, IL
  • Posts 566
  • Votes 281

I would first recommend finding a lower priced property if possible. I would also try to increase your income as well. Easy ways that I do it are bank hacking. Banks offer promos of $200-400. In my area, I'm able to generate about $1,500 a year. I would also recommend getting a side hustle as well. This could potentially help with DTI down the line.

I would also recommend having some cash reserves as well in case you don't have tenants. You can certainly house hack but your options may be a bit limited. 

Feel free to reach out. I'm doing my first house hack now.