All Forum Posts by: Bain Craddock

 I was hoping this idea would work but the Permits Dept at the city of Tempe said it wasn't allowed. There aren't any grandfather clauses, unfortunately. 

I thought about going back after the flipper and having them rectify the situation, but ultimately feel that it was my responsibility to check during the due diligence phase and I didn't (smh).

 The contact at the city has been very nice and has said she will work with me as long as the process is moving forward and I'm keeping her updated. No timeline or deadline.

Thanks, everyone! I'm contacting architects in the area today.

BP, 

I bought a "triplex" 2 years ago in Tempe, AZ, which has 2 main units and 1 studio in the back. A few days ago I received an email from the city saying there was a complaint about the studio which they now realize is unpermitted. The studio was a garage but had been converted to a living unit many years ago. I bought the property from a flipper, but it was originally built in 1960. The studio is currently being rented, along with one of the main units. 

The city gave me 3 options: 1) return the unit to a garage, 2) get an architect or draftsman to draw up the building plans and then pull permits, or 3) get a structural engineer to "stamp" it and say that it's up to code. A possible 4th option came up when I was reading some past BP entries and noticed that some older multifamily properties are grandfathered into being approved.

Does anyone have any advice on which route would be best to solve this issue? Thanks!

@Chris Burke, thanks for the introduction! And congrats on finding a good investment property!

@Ryan Swan, I'll check my inbox now!

@Josh Doeringer...congratulations on the purchase! How did you choose a general contractor for the rehab in Phoenix?

@Emmanuel Rodriguez,

Thank you for the response! I think you make a great argument for looking near the West Gate area. I'll start searching in that area now. Any suggestions on realtors?

Hello all! I currently live in Denver, CO but just received orders through the Air Force this past Friday to teach at Arizona State University. I plan on refinancing my condo in Denver so I can have the full VA Loan (450k) and to purchase up to a four plex with that money.

-Any suggestions on location? I'm searching for no HOA (so I can Air bnb if need be), near light rail and an attraction (school, airport, etc).

-Where would you look for deals? I'm not opposed to using a wholesaler or offering low prices off of MLS.

-Any suggestions on a realtor? I want a pit bull who will find me a good deal with the highest cash flow. Must be very communicative since I live out of state right now.

Thanks and see you guys soon!

Thanks, @Mark Sewell! Those would be perfect areas...but it's a shame I'd only be looking at a duplex. What's your recommendation on where to find deals in the area? Any good wholesalers that you know of? Or maybe just go with the normal MLS listings and offer a lower price?

Thanks, @Account Closed! Any suggestions on neighborhoods?