All Forum Posts by: Bjorn Ahlblad

I have been seriously considering this option. Currently looking at buying a SFR with two severed 1 acre lots. Need to get a zoning variance to build one or two fourplexes. Talking to the town right now. Cost to build is not an advantage but there is nothing good to buy, and it would be new. There is always risk; other than the zoning, risk in this case is pretty much nil as there is a shortage of quality rentals in the area.

@Amit Kumar when I lived in Ca. I had local and OOS investments. I kept the OOS investments really simple; duplexes that required nothing and were PM'd. That worked with no problems and I slept great! 

I lived in Ca for 30 years-left last year. I can't see going without gas; it is less expensive in the long run and you really need both. Gas can do a far better job for water, dryers, cooking and gas heat pumps. Electricity is essential for lighting and refrigerators. That of course could also be done with solar depending on your situation.

Bryson, Lots of options open to you including investing in the market you already know. Spending your Dallas dollars may produce better opportunities in northern Mississippi, where presumably you already have contacts, while you work to figure out the Dallas market and build connections in Dallas. This business is like any other; you are only as good as your network. All the best.

My guess is you are only seeing the tip of this iceberg. His 'business model', his property manager, his financing and no inspection allowed. Time to walk away.

We bought a 12 unit last year that is under an hour from home-our limit is an hour-it was really well maintained and fully rented with mostly great tenants, and one dud. We use a PM for some duplexes in another town and we were looking for a local PM for this apartment building. Nothing good was coming up locally so my wife stepped up and it is working out great, all under one roof, good class of tenants and well maintained=not too much work.

Thanks for asking Brent. What I mean is that I don't think at all about selling or appreciation when looking at properties or running the numbers. I do load it up with financing and PM ing to validate the investment; but in reality I find it preferable to pay cash since I have it from selling California properties. I have only been living in the PNW off and on for the past two years and my wife and I moved here full time last year. We have had rental properties in the area for a few years and we simply took over one of them for our primary residence.

Congratulations! Good for you to find one in this market!

Assuming the expenses are correct, no vacancy, no capital expenditures, no surprises then yes 885/ mo. In addition you will get consideration back at tax time due to operating expenses and depreciation. Good for you to have found something to consider!

I am past retired, any appreciation my investments get will be a consideration for my kids not me. I do the 'could I sell this if need be' gut check but not more. So pretty much it is all about the cash flow that being my income source, and without that I'm a greeter at Walmart!