All Forum Posts by: Brad McAuley

Mike and Michael: Thanks for your replies. To answer your questions regarding my previous rental properties I made the mistakes myself. I probably bought them both at too high of a price and managed them poorly. The single family after ten years of ownership I sold at 40% of what I paid for thr property and at sale it was pretty beat up by bad tennants, however I didn't loose money on that unit at least I broke even. The duplex after 3 years of ownership I sold at a loss with both units being empty at the time, the duplex needed a makeover but was still basically intact. Along the way I was beat out of many months rent on both properties. I realize education is the key to success in REI as it is with anything. That is where I am at now. Trying to educate myself and develope a good plan before I venture forward.

Hey everyone. My name is Brad. I've been lurking at Bigger Pockets on and off for a few months. Thinking about getting into REI and kind of investigating my options. I work a full time job as an aircraft mechanic. Fortunately I work a three day week so it leaves me more days off than on. For the last two years I have been involved in real estate appraisal. Took some classes and have 1,000 hours give or take towards becoming a Certified Appraiser. Things have been pretty bad in that industry for almost a year and I am considering throwing in the towel. Anyway I have acquired and read one book recommended on this site and have ordered two more REI books which I will read shortly. Trying to decide which way to go if I am going tio give it a try. I have quite a bit of construction/repair experience as I was involved professionally in construction for many years. Was thinking of flipping a few properties and then MAYBE holding a few. I was involved several years ago in REI and had one single family and one duplex. I will admitt I didn't know what I was doing and it was a miserable experience. Any professional Appraisers here that I could chew the fat with? Well thats it for now. As I said I tend to cruise the posts more than I post myself so I'll be watching.

The reason I am considering College Rentals is I assume with proper location one would have below average vacancy and would be able to rent units out for larger monthly rents than a similar unit would rent for in a non College Rental market. I would also assume property damage is at least equal or higher than comparable units however couldn't the leases have the Parents of the renters be liable for any damages their little darlings would inflict? Am I incorrect in all these assumptions?

I'm in Pittsburgh. I believe I've tried a search for the title " Student Rentals" and I came up empty. Maybe I'll try it again.

Well I'm new to this site. I've had a couple rental properties in the past and it was a hot and cold experience. Sold the rentals 7 or 8 years ago. Lost a little on one and made a little on the other. Anyway I am considering the possibility of getting back into the game. There are several Universities and Colleges in my area. My present thinking is to acquire Duplexes/Triplexes etc in these area and rent them out to students. Is there a certain term for this type of housing that I might be able to use to search for past posts. Anyone that would be familiar with these type of rentals that could offer any suggestions and or cautions please chime in.