All Forum Posts by: Adam Lovell

... it's been a fun 11 months.

First off, before and after pics: https://imgur.com/a/3KpPl8g

As of a few weeks ago, we are able to finally call this project done when we closed on a rate refi, so I finally sat down to put together an update. The project certainly took a bit longer than expected, but everything went super smoothly all things considered.

We appraised at $350K during the refi, and even though we overspent in a few areas (we justified it since we live in it), we still came out ahead (albeit only by $6K, we'll take it). We've had an awesome tenant in the ADU since September 25; she's paying $1200/month plus utilities. So, since the refi for $270K (3.25% with no more PMI), it's only costing us about $550/month (mortgage minus rental income) to live in a newly rehabbed 2000 sq ft. 4/2. When we move out, the 4/2 should rent for $1700+.

The numbers:

We need to give a major shout out to Bigger Pockets. I’ve listened to all the podcasts (was a guest caller in episode 375) and read most of their earlier books. All of the contractor tips, money tips, etc came in handy and we would have struggled much more without all of the awesome BP resources.

What's next? In January, after we hit 1 year at this address, we are going to apply for a HELOC to free up some capital to assist with our two 2021 goals:

1. 1. Use hard money and our realtor to flip a small townhouse/condo or SFH in the Brandon area with an ARV of under $200K. The main goal here is to learn the most efficient way to raise capital while using hard money. If it goes well, we will move on to using a wholesaler instead of our agent and MLS to do a few more flips to help fund some BRRRRs in the future.
2. 2. Purchase another 'luxury house hack' like the one we currently live in. We plan to use another 3% down loan to do so, and will likely search in Safety Harbor and/or the Brandon areas in Tampa. 

Close is tomorrow!!

Thanks for the advice John, that lines up with pretty much what we've decided! All the painting that needs to be done is inside, exterior is mostly brick so low maintenance there. Turns out the pests have already vacated so we are good- will be even better after the new roof goes on and mitigates the only potential ingress holes. We've decided to replace the carpet in the ADU bedroom, add carpet in 4 main unit bedrooms, and put down LVP on the only other bare concrete in the entry room and formal dining, leaving all existing tile. Paint samples are in our kitchen right now and we will decide tomorrow.

Going to Home Depot in a bit to get all new locks, a bunch of light bulbs and a ladder. About to get real!

See the updated section at bottom of main post.  We just got the loan estimate in since we locked in the rate this week. Projected cash flow now at $815 (less vacancy/repairs).  We still think we can probably get more for the ADU, but aren't sure since Rentometer has limited comps over the past 12 mos. 

Finally got an offer accepted just before Christmas.  See my Deal Diaries post!

Hey all,

I figure posting here will give me some additional motivation to document. My wife and I are closing on an ADU house hack in the Tampa area and couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to both save us a LOT on our monthly living costs and learn even more about the ins/outs of landlording and investing.

Property Details:

The home is in an established neighborhood in a Tampa suburb, where most of the homes were built around 1990 and all have large lots (~.33 acre). The main home is a 4/2 @ 2100 sq ft. The ADU is a 1/1 @ 800 sq ft. The ADU has its own Lanai, W/D in unit, storage, private entry and potentially garage slot (see TBD).

To Do/Estimates:
- Roof: ~$17,000. Still getting quotes, but budgeted for full roof replacement. 

-Paint: Painting walls/trim through entire property.  We plan to DIY this starting the day we close. 

-Privacy Fence: Add a fence down middle of back yard to provide full privacy for both 'tenants.'

-Privacy Fence: Add about 10 feet so the two windows from master BR are included in fenced yard. 

-Pest Control: ~$800. Inspection found hints of mice/rats in attic. Getting quotes.

-Tree Trimming: $1200. Too much tree cover, plan to trim to extend life of new roof and keep cleaning easy.  

-Carpet Replace in ADU BR.

-Carpet Install in Main Unit BRs (4). Main unit is mix of tile and stained concrete, since we will live there, we really want carpet in the bedrooms. 

-Main Unit Kitchen (eventually): Cabined doors/drawer covers. Appliances. New Counter Top.

-Main Unit Floors (eventually): LVP/Tile (bathrooms)/Carpet (bedrooms)

-Main Unit Bathrooms (eventually): Both need new vanities/fixtures. Likely re-glazing 2 tubs and 1 shower, may re tile master shower. TBD.

TBD:
-Should we just replace the carpet in ADU BR (it's the only floor that needs to be replaced) or should we put LVP in the entire unit (requires tearing out tile in kitchen and bath)? We are leaning towards replacing BR carpet now, and full LVP during the first tenant turn. Would LVP now really make an impact on rent?

-Should we put a wall to section off the 3rd garage slot (which has door to access the side yard/private entrance for ADU) and allow the tenant to use for parking? I've got lots of tools/valuables that are stored in our garage, and eventually, the tenants who rent the main unit will probably like the separation, too. How much will that increase rent in both units?

-How to handle mail?

Numbers:

We are under contract at $275,000 and are using a conventional loan at 3% down.

Projected ADU Income: $1,000

Projected Main Unit Income: $1,650 (our current rent for a 3/2 @ 1900 sq ft in a similar location)

Minus Projected PITI: $2,100 (after we move out/no homestead)

Projected cash flow after we move out: $550 (minus repairs/vacancy)

Pics and updates coming after close!!

@Edgar Rodriguez - our lender is awesome and has done everything short of that for us so far. I'll definitely bring it up to him.  Good pointer, appreciate it!

@Melvin List- it sure is.  We aren't too discouraged yet and are still learning more every time we submit an offer. We are about to actually send out (hand deliver) some letters to our neighbors to see if we can get lucky with an off-market deal in our current neighborhood. Just to see what happens. 

Hey all,

Since we're actually playing the game now, I figured it was a good idea to re-intro myself and dig back into the forum.

The wife and I live in Brandon and are looking for our first property, preferably one which needs some TLC. We plan to either rehab before we move in or do work while we live there, eventually renting it out- if there's an ADU that's a plus. We have made offers on 4 properties in the past 6 weeks and have lost each one to cash offers (probably some of you guys!). Even though we're being beat, we're still so excited we are swinging the bat.

Looking forward to hopefully working with some of you guys!

-Adam

Thanks everyone! But be careful, I may take you up and ask for some beer finding tips along with REI tips.

Good to know there are a few other recent transplants in the area on BP.

Sounds like an FHA might not be that beneficial to us, but I'll certainly talk to some brokers and a CPA before we make official plans.

Great info, thanks guys!

Hey all- we have a pretty complicated question and would love some input from you more experienced folks.

I am 29 and my fiancee is 24.  She is graduating nursing school next week, and plans to get a job in the Tampa area, so that area is going to be our target market. I work for a tech company and can work from home. We currently rent in Atlanta and neither of us have ever owned any property.  Financially, we will be out of student loan debt by summer next year (2018).  Our wedding is in March of 2019. 

We are both leaning towards a house hack (duplex/quad) then some BRRRR deals, with one stipulation of being in our own 'nice' house before we have kids in 4+ years.

We have no idea how to take the best advantage of FHA loans. What would you do?

Thanks!