All Forum Posts by: Lelith Walker

Whatever area you choose make sure there is good employment, job growth and population growth nearby.  You can narrow it down further but those three are the most important.

Congradulations!!!

Yes some nice people will scam you, I experienced it in my situation too.  There is so much that I learned that books and gurus will not teach you.

Hello

I am doing a rehab in south Atlanta, Clayton County, and plan on doing many more in other counties nearby.  I would like to know where to get discount windows, paint, flooring, tile, kitchen cabinets?  I just want to know if there are places cheaper than home depot or lowes. 

@J Scott

Thanks guys

Does the government provide financial assistance to rehabbers who want to make homes wheelchair accessible or to the disabled in general?

You have to look at your personality and see which real estate niche fits you.  After all you can make money in all.   I would start with going to real estate meetup groups in your area to learn more via seminars and networking.  Keep combing the library books and forums.  If you have a good real estate accountant or financial advisor that knows real estate (one that knows about the different niches) then I would also speak with him/her as well. 

I am going through something similar. I put a complaint on Wendy Lovejoy via REI Blacklist on facebook, called the national and state Real Estate Investor Association, and filed complaints with rip off report, better business bureau, consumer affairs and will file with the real estate commissions office. I was told someone else is filing a case against her as well and I forwarded the emails, pictures, and videos to the National REIA. She was kicked off the board by the way. Since I do have contacts with other real estate investors in 3 states, I have contacted these people as well. I may need to contact other organizations because she said she was a minister and the church told me they never heard of her or her ministry.

For the contractor, I have just contacted my lawyer.  I am sending them the information so that they can send him the certified letter.  I am not going to reveal his name yet or report him to any authorities until I get all the details.  He had told me after the first disappearance that he had paperwork to indicate why he had to go but he has not provided that to us and he has disappeared again.  Right now a lot of things are going through my mind as to why he is gone.  Luckily, I only paid for the work in phases.     

If it were me I would rehab it.  Look to see if your city housing authority offers any grants for rehabs.You may be able to save money if you do some of the work yourself. I would begin with taking care of one of the most important parts of the home that like roof, foundation, windows and doors.  I would get the inspectors out first because it is cheaper to have them evaluate every step than to complete the home and then they issue a fine or reject the work afterwards.  If you want to leave it empty at least secure the place putting in good locks and maybe security doors.  You could advertise to movie studios so that it is not completely empty.  Next to think about is winter is around the corner.  Is it in a state where winters are harsh?  If so you may need to install a boiler and water heater so the pipes don't burst.   I would not put in high end things either.  Use laminate or vinyl flooring that looks like wood instead of wood.  Use laminate or formica countertops that look like granite.  Don't use the real stuff.  Since section 8 has changed their policies you may want to revisit that program for choosing renters.  They will now help you fix a place if the tenants mess it up.  You might also qualify for special needs housing like for battered women or veterans.  Other tenants that are not too picky are hospital interns and college students.  Some hospitals and colleges give housing stipends.  You can also look into lease option.  Maybe talk to a realtor and ask what most of the homes in the area are doing now and let them recommend. 

Can anyone recommend a title insurance company in Atlanta or Riverdale GA?