All Forum Posts by: Alan Mills

After another break in, I’m looking for up-to-date info regarding video surveillance during rehabs. I’ve been looking into both WiFi and cellular options, but couldn’t find what it would cost for cellular. This is my wish list:

- Several cameras, perhaps at least 4?

- Motion trigger activation, and I’d prefer if it would record longer than 30 seconds when triggered

- The ability to download and store videos

- Real time notification on my phone when camera is triggered - similar to my Ring doorbell I use at my home

- Cameras record both video and AUDIO

- My ability to talk to people through the cameras would be a bonus

- Night vision for outside cameras a bonus

- Ability to remotely swivel horizontally - and vertically? - also a bonus

- Alarm for outdoor cameras also a bonus

- It would also be great to be able to temporarily disable them when I have contractors working the job so I don’t end up with hours of people continuously triggering cameras

Having said all of this, if there is a system that you like for any reasons at all - and regardless of my wish list - please let me know why I should consider it.

Thanks very much!

Alan

I’d like to be able to set up several cameras - perhaps at least 4 -

* one for the eviction

@Mitch Messer thanks for your thoughts. I’ve had some people tell me that they do this in two steps, one for the infection, and another one later on once the final determination of losses are determined. I’m not sure if I will go that way or not. But I hear you, I know what I signed up for when I decided to be a landlord.

@Teri Feeney Styers

Thanks for all of your thoughts! For the record, I’ve been a landlord for 23 years and this is only my second eviction.  The first infection was a long time ago and I don’t remember the exact attorneys fees, but I believe it was an excess of $5000. At the moment, damages were relatively light to the property, and I do have a security deposit that I can use For those and to also apply what’s left over for missing rents. Many people are quick to tell me that I will never be able to collect on any judgment, and I’m well aware of this likeliness. But still, the situation isn’t just with the current circumstances, it’s also just a way for me to put myself through school on the process. I want to learn. Is it possible that I’ve done something wrong? Sure. But paying $100 to file papers and another hundred dollars to serve the tenants seems to be enough to at least get a judgment to take possession of the property again. Of course, that’s my number one goal. And you’re right, my leases usually renew at the end of July each summer, and the new lease term will encourage that. The other direction that I did with the attorney not only cost me $5000 or more, but the tenant promptly filed for bankruptcy, so there was nothing to be recovered. Trust me, I’ve already learned about how difficult it is to collect, but I might give it a try again this time. Infections and collections are just one part of the system and I need to become familiar with the process for future reference. Thanks again for your thoughts. I really appreciate it.



Working through my first eviction without an attorney in Colorado. County Clerk suggested that once I retake possession of the property, that it is could be difficult to get a settlement for any future unpaid rents through the end of the lease term, which is through July 2024. My concern is being able to find a tenant during fall/winter months. With each passing day, I lose rents and am now covering utilities, all of which were tenant responsibility. Clerk said that if I can cite laws to support collecting other future losses until I can get a new tenant might convince the judge. Is anyone aware of laws that would support my argument? Thanks.

I went to my first auction. Learned lots. I have my eyes on some properties scheduled for auction. I’d love to hear ideas regarding what you have done that *was* or *was not* successful in approaching owners before their property goes up for auction. Forget it and wait for the auction, or.........?

Working on finishing up rehab on a duplex. The electrical for the garage is tied in to the lower level rental. I can easily advertise that whoever is in the lower unit gets the garage (and with it the obligation for playing the electrical for the garage), but what happens if they don’t want the garage, and the upper unit tenant does want the garage?

Is it common to charge extra rent for an oversized two car garage?

Added bonus question:

There is also an extra storage shed on the property. Who gets that? Charge extra rent per month? $10?

Not trying to pinch pennies, just wondering what others have done in similar situations. Thanks!

@Ray Lin Thanks! Just sent you a private message.

Hmm... well, this topic seems to be headed in a different direction than intended. I do appreciate learning about these things, but it's outside the scope of what I'm looking to do. Still looking for advice on buying properties at auction. Actions at the courthouse steps, auction.com, REO, foreclosures, etc. thanks for your thoughts for someone who has never done it before.

@Account Closed thanks for choking in with some more questions. 

@Account Closed, yes, I am very interested in the DOs and DON’Ts of foreclosures. In fact, that was the original intent behind the thread. But clearly I didn’t even know how to ask the question. But I’m learning a lot as we go. So, who’s got the first top 5 list of what to do or not do?