All Forum Posts by: Amy Davidson

Thanks Jon,

I really enjoyed your post about your experience, which didn't come up when I did my original search.

I had never really thought of the Code Enforcer as a friend before, but reading everyone's comments in that post made it clear how very helpful they can be, next time BEFORE buying the house.

Yes, "look at the house" was vague. Ideally, I'd really like someone to look at the work and certify that it was done properly, and then hopefully pull an "as built" permit, or redo anything that might not have been done to code.

One side of the house will also need new siding because a plumber came in from the outside of the house to repair something, and then just left the house open. Something I've never seen before, and I can't believe the PM allowed...

The total repairs included repairing rotten wood from termite damage, tiling, plumbing in both the kitchen and bath, but only replacement, no real moving of the pipes, etc. There were also other exposed beams, areas of the house that were fixed and look perfect now, but those are the areas that will probably have to be opened up again. The roof was repaired, but not replaced.

I have the feeling that the inspector will give us the benefit of the doubt, because we found after the fact that the city of Orlando actually has experience with this PM company, but just the fact that no one wants to even many an appointment with us is making it difficult.

Hi all,

I've been struggling for months with this one. I have a property in Orlando, FL that I bought through a wholesalers/PM firm that said that they would handle the rehab and deliver me a lovely turn-key property.

I thought that all was fine, but two months after the tenants move in, I get a letter from Code Enforcement listing a number of past violations, the most important being that no one pulled permits for any of the work.

At this point, all the work had been completed.

The issue is, the workers the PM hired were not licensed GCs, and no one is taking any responsibility for the work. Naturally, I can sue the PM, but that's something for later. Now, I've called close to 30 GCs, including a family friend and a properly licensed GC that the PM recommended, and NO ONE will even look at the house because they don't want to be tainted as the bad guy who didn't pull permits.

So, my question is: There doesn't appear to be enough money in the world to get a GC to look at this house, how can I get Code Enforcement to not make me tear this house down and start over? Yes, I have spoken with the person in charge of this file every step of the way, and he knows how hard we're working to get someone to the house, but his response is along the lines of: "Hmmm, that's tough. You've already had two extensions."

Anyone have any practical advice? A nice success story from when you were in a similar boat?

Hi Ed,

Welcome. I am right across McMullen Booth Road from you in Clearwater -- happy to see another BP-er on this side of the Courtney Campbell! If you haven't already, do a search on the Keyword Tampa, and you'll see that there's the first ever Tampa Bay BP meeting coming up next month at the Clearwater Library. Hope to see you there!

Amy

Hi Mario,

I'm also investing in the Tampa area, even though I actually live in Switzerland most of the year. I'm an occasional flipper, but more often a landlord. I'm always happy to chat with other Tampa investors, either on or off BP. Thanks for introducing yourself!

Amy

Hi Shoor,

I agree that you should ALWAYS listen to your gut. I've always had a bit of nerves when I sign on the dotted line, simply because there are so many other properties to invest in and I hope I've gotten the very best one.

But only one time did I feel so uncomfortable that I almost didn't get in the car to go to closing, almost didn't get out of the car at the title company and almost didn't sign the paperwork when it was in front of me. And that was the time when I was serious scammed by an unethical wholesaler and it's set my investing back years trying and sort it out.

Mark Ramsey is right, the wholesaler probably had some pressure to meet a deadline, but if you were feeling that there was something more going on, or that he wasn't completely trustworthy, then he probably wasn't.

Never ignore your gut.

Can anyone recommend a considerate lawyer in the Tampa area? Basically, I'm looking for someone who can return calls within 24 hours, and anything after that is a bonus. I think my issues are fairly straight-forward that any lawyer could handle, but I need someone with customer service skills.

Thanks for any recommendations.

Amy

I live in Switzerland, but I invest primarily in Orlando, Tampa and Clearwater. Half the properties are with a property manager, and half I self-manage. I'm getting ready to start my first long-distance eviction using www.floridaeviction123.com and I'll happily share my experiences with this company once it's all over.

The main issue is the move-in and move-out, but there are management companies that will do only that for you, and then leave you to handle the rest of things. Generally speaking, as long as the tenants are trained in what to do in case of emergency, there's no problem. I give out my Email address and What's App number, and the last time the whole plumbing system backed up, I was able to use the www.yellowpages.com to find a plumber and pay by Paypal.

I wish that I could recommend a property management firm, but all I can tell you is who to avoid! The worst part is that they generally charge a year of commission as a penalty if you want to break the lease, so it's a very important decision.

I completely agree. With a small house like this the potential buyer has probably invested very little money in appraisals and/or time. I would be quite pleased indeed to be offered money not to buy a house that I hadn't put much time into.

However, a text message is far from a signed contract, so you'd have to be very careful not to promise your first buyer a nice payment not to buy, when you are dealing with an unknown entity.

Looking at this from my perspective as a buyer, I'm sure if you're honest with the first buyer throughout, and start the conversation by saying you'll honor the original deal if it's a property that he's especially keen on, then I'm sure no matter the result, you will have strengthened the relationship with him.

Hi Mandy,
It sounds like you're off to a great start. I started the same way some 20 years ago, and it's not easy to be a live-in landlord, but it absolutely worth it!
Unfortunately, I took 15 years off real estate while I was living abroad, and I kick myself every day for taking the break. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep at it!