All Forum Posts by: Brandon Cooper

Hi! It's been awhile since I've been on the forums. I'm looking for a SFH in the Fresno CA area, specifically in the tower district. Looking for at least a 3 bed 2 bath. Can be a fixer, just not too extensive. Any leads would be appreciated. Thank you.

Hi Chris, I am also interested in your wholesale properties. PM when you get a chance.

Question number 1 Here in California our income tax is pretty high, so I am curious what investors do with their income. Let's say I have a cash flow of 10k a year and my income tax rate is 25% Would/should I set aside that $2500 each year to pay my income tax? What do you do? Obviously this is a very important calculation that greatly affects NOI.

Question number 2 I am a resident of California, but I own real estate in a state that does not have income tax. How is this handled? I assume tax man still gets his/her income tax from me. Thanks

Being an avid reader, I have noticed a lot of books mentioned around here. I have always wondered when researching a new type of business if the experts writing the books on that particular subject are making the type of money "They" say is possible to be made in that business, or for that matter how much they are making in that particular business.  

If I were to put myself in the shoes of a successful business person (insert type of business). Would I write a book about that subject? I don't know, but I cannot help but think I would not, because the business, whatever it is, is providing a great living for me. Why would I take my valuable time to write a book when that time could be spent on my successful business. 

After recently reading a book about real estate, written by a large real estate business owner, I thought to myself, why is this person writing about the positives of real estate, when it struck me. He wrote the book because the more people buy real estate, good or bad deals, doesn't matter, the more business he gets. Duh! 

So what I am trying to say is what is the true motive for writing books? Is it to share good information that can help make people money? Or is it to make money to supplement poor performing business models that are not sustained by means explained in books? I hope it is the first, sharing good information and success. 

Having said this I must explain that I am jaded and tend not to believe people have the best of intentions. It's a fault sometimes, but a savior most times. 

How is the Phoenix Arizona market treating you? I was recently looking at the updated city plan, looks interesting. Wondering about the Phoenix and surrounding towns.

So I am a licensed electrical contractor in California. Yes the bid seems a little high, however if I am reading your post right you have a two story home, with a basement. If this is the case the cost is going to be higher, especially if the layout of the home is in such a way that it does not allow easy access between the two floors. Often times when two story rewires come along they are much bigger jobs than typical single story homes. See in a single story homes all the wiring for the most part (except vaulted ceilings) is accessible by attic, therefore not much drywall needs to be removed Vise-versa two story homes require a lot of drywall to be removed. 

Furthermore, in some other posts I have noticed cost comparison to new construction. These are two completely different beasts! Rewires are a lot more labor intensive! 

Another thing to consider is you get what you pay for. I've seen some complete hack jobs with rewires. If someone comes in and rewires your house in a few days and costs less than 10k something is probably missing. Likely nothing is strapped and only visible things are brought to code. References! References! 

Good luck to you

I have been looking at loopnet and other sources at multi-families and other investment properties. In my area the Cap Rate range seems to range from 3% topping out at 8%. I am curious what everyone's target, obtainable, Cap Rate is. 

So what is your target Cap Rate? 

Does the 50% rule apply to everyone? The reason I ask is I have notice numerous people pay for utilities for their property when renting it out. Here in California this is not common as the renters themselves are responsible for paying utilities, in most cases. The 50% rule seems ultra conservative and very difficult to obtain in the ca market. Thanks

Any one have experience with mini storage facilities? As far as investing in One.

What does one look for/expect out of a property management company? What makes a property management company standout from the crowd? Is it simply rates?