All Forum Posts by: Al Bigonia

Hi James,

If it was me, I'd check with the section 8 housing authority to see if they have someone on their waiting list. Chances are, if you get a tenant that needs handicap features, you'll have a tenant for life, without putting much money into it. Just make sure you do the due diligence on the tenant to make sure it's someone you want for life.

Hi Janesly, I think a flip is the better choice for you too, but just to add a few facts to your figures. I own a Duplex in Rochester and each unit is 750 Sf, 2BR 1 Bath, and I get $1200/ month and tenants pay their own utilities. I think $1245 is the actual average for Strafford County according to the annual survey done each year by UNH for the NH Housing Authority. I would think you could get more rent/Mo. with a SF home, but I don't know that for a fact. Also, I just got my S&W Bill for a duplex I own in Farmington and it was $95 for 3 months, so I think the $125 is high. I also pay around $900/yr for insurance on each Duplex, so I think the Insurance figure is a little high too. Even with these I would do a flip myself, and I've been a landlord in this exact area since 1999. 

Hi Nellie,

In the last few years I have sold a 5 family and a Duplex. I just own 2 Duplexes now. That gives me enough extra income in retirement with very few headaches. (beside finding and paying too much labor for Contractors)

Hi Nellie,

I just retired from 40 years in the Building Supply Business, and want to wish you luck on the contractors. I just left Middleton Building Supply this past July, and the business is just crazy right now. I've never seen anything like it. Anyway, you might want to stop by the Dover or Middleton store and see if they know of any Contractors. Maybe stop by the Masonry supply place in Somersworth across from the Chevy dealership. Maybe they know of contractors for your Concrete work.

The heating shouldn't be a problem, but they are all very very busy, and it might take some time for them to get there. The bigger ones aren't cheap, but I know Martel Plumbing and Heating have always been professional, and will get you in line. Maybe Stogens, in Rochester? I haven't dealt with them, but they are one of the better known ones.

Be patient and understanding, but persistent. These are very trying times for the Building Business. I'm considering an addition for the Duplex I live in, and the Contractors were customers of ours, but they told me they couldn't do it until Late Spring of 2021.

Hi Sharlene,

I was single and 61 when I started. I have no huge success story to tell, but I just turned 71 Monday, and I'm only still working part time by choice. I can't sit around the house watching TV all day like my Dad  did in retirement. And my property manager takes care of the rentals. I'm originally from Brown Deer, a suburb of Milwaukee, WI. I haven't looked for rental properties for a while, but you might consider looking there. Always seemed to be possible deals in the big City, when I was considering investing there. My biggest help getting started was using the BP Calculators. If you're not a Pro member, become one and get unlimited use.

Hi Greg,

I think you missed the "just kidding" part. Right now places for sale seem to have dried up, but the situation is still the same. (overpriced). If anything reasonable comes on the market it doesn't last long. But Portsmouth and Dover are really out there on prices, so Rochester/Farmington usually give you a better chance at something reasonable.

P.S. I bought my last place last November sight unseen. Made my offer by email to pay full price the same day it went on the market, but I knew the Realtor very well.

Hi Alex, I've been a BP member for a few years. I also own rental properties, but I work full time at Middleton Building Supply. I am a buyer for all 10 of our stores. Anyway, we have  a store right in Dover. If you stop by or call Tom Noonan 742-8200, he can either give you the names of reputable contractors, or turn you over to another of his salespeople to help you out. It's O.K. to tell him I referred you.

Hi Raymond,

I've been to other peoples Seacoast meetings last year. Just curious as to what kind of attendance you've been getting on yours? 

Hi Michaela,

How are you connected to these people? I own Rental Property in New Hampshire, and I'm considering investing out of state. I've heard good things about Cleveland investing, but have no professional contacts there to verify things. Maybe you can help me get started? 

I agree with Rob. I don't know how anyone buys these places in Dover-Portsmouth at the prices they are asking on MLS. Unless they have a bunch of money to put down, and keep the payments low. But then their Cash-on-Cash return will suffer. I look in the Somersworth, Rochester, and Farmington are, but as far as the MLS those seem to have dried up recently. Anyway, good luck Colin, and welcome.