All Forum Posts by: Brendan J.

Tom, are you advocating a thorough inspection done by a professional (~$300) or by Matt? Both?

I realize that after lots and lots of exposure we (Matt) should be able to do a fairly adequate job of identifying issues that need addressing, but early on this can be very difficult.

Matt, perhaps you hire a professional inspector this time and walk around to see what type of things they are looking for?

Scott, we're glad to have you here on BP. I look forward to some good conversations and hearing your input. What are your thoughts/experiences on the home in SC? Is it a beach rental or a standard SFR off the water?

You're very much on the right path. You don't want the house that needs to be torn down, and completely rebuilt. But it needs to be distressed enough that it discourages a retail buyer from walking in and thinking they will just paint and carpet it. What from these photos discourages retail buyers the most? It's not the flaking paint, or pink carpet; its the open ceiling and the fact that there is no kitchen to speak of.

I think that 119k might still be high, but you can always negotiate with these guys.

That type of house is what you're looking for. It's already listed on the MLS, and with the right ones, you can still make this work. But the real diamonds are the ones that mimic this house in disrepair, but you talk the owners into selling before they would end up on the MLS like this one.

Welcome Zachary! I can't speak to which REI clubs you should be attending, but I can wish you luck and encourage you to take advantage of the Beginner's Guide here on the site, as well as listen to as many of these Podcasts as you can.

Excited to have you, all the best!

Tyler, it never hurts to ask. I'm guessing that unless he's absolutely sick of the property, he won't let it go at a rock-bottom price.

You're right about the nasty houses in the neighborhood. TALL lawns, broken glass, boarded up, etc. Find out who owns these buildings (ask neighbors) and try to get in touch with them. These are the people that can be worked/groomed into giving you some very good deals.

Start making a list of addresses and visit your county courthouse to look up ownership (public knowledge). Call or write letters asking them if they would like to sell.

Looking good J. We are fairly close regionally (just a couple of hours) and the weather has really been kind to you this week (compared to the last several weeks with 5+ days of rain). Glad they were able to finish framing and now with a roof over your head, delays shouldn't continue to accrue.

BTW, thanks so much for walking us through this, I just spent about an hour or two reading from start to finish on this thread and it's been a great resource. Your books also get here next week, and I'll sit down with a cup of coffee to start going through them.

If you weren't moving to Maryland soon, I'd probably take a day or two off work and make you walk me around a couple of your open projects (short drive from Knoxville) and share some additional wisdom with an intent learner.

Best of luck with the electrical and HVAC today and a pleasant weekend! Talk soon.

Welcome Shannon. Glad you've joined our community, and look forward to some good conversations to come.

Youve absolutely come to the right place Joseph, We are very glad to have you! Make sure to check out the Ultimate Beginners Guide and dive into the forum. There is lots of wisdom available here, you just have to reach out for it. All the best.

Welcome Vlad, we are very glad to have you. Make sure to check out the Beginners guide mentioned above and ask tons of questions!

Welcome Ben. We are very glad to have you. 32 is still early to be "turning to the light". Better late than never!