All Forum Posts by: Ann Howell

congratulations!  I am working toward that as well.  However, I also have trouble imagining not having a regular job.  It is exciting and terrifying at the same time.  Enjoy your new freedom!

Exciting!  I never heard the quick tip about posting on Craigs List - interesting approach.

 I did not see the tv stories but they make sense.  There is too much concrete and not enough green space.  Here on the West side, several major roads are still flooded weeks after the rain stopped. It has made the traffic horrendous.

I think it was the book "The Millionaire Next Door" that coined the phrase stealth wealth. The whole premise of the book is that the wealthiest people usually don't advertise their wealth by buying things.  This post is a perfect example of that!

We just bought a new-to-us used car, because our 12 year old minivan needed expensive transmission repairs. Sigh...we wanted to use that car to train our teenager to drive this year.

great negotiating

Congrats on your success! How did you negotiate a purchase price that was 30% below the MLS value? Was it on the market for a long time? Did it need a lot of work?

Wow!  They did leave a mess.  At least they are out. It does not look like they actively damaged the house itself - just general neglect. 

Congrats!  I have spent hours in the forums and listening to the podcasts. Thanks to BP, we now own three rentals.  Thanks for all you do!

Get an inspection done by an independent inspector who you find on your own.  We use Angie's List and other sources for referrals.  We backed out on one turnkey deal that was supposedly ready, but our inspector found mold and dry rot and other problems.  It is a good layer of protection.

Congrats!  You have made some great purchases.  My husband and I started recently - we are in our mid-forties.  I also believe that our life experience and financial savvy is a benefit to us, so there is some advantage to starting later in life! I would rather build my own retirement plan than expect much from social security or even from my 401k.  I like to have more control over my future.  Good luck in your continued investing!