All Forum Posts by: Brandon Johnson

Hey BP Family,

Wanted to know if you all could share your opinions and thoughts on being a landlord vs hiring a management company. My main concern is trusting them to screen the tenants and choosing them since I’ll be living above them in a duplex.

Do you all know if I have the opportunity to let them know what requirements I want to set for rental qualifications?

Also is there a management company near the Detroit area you would recommend from experience?

Any and all comments/feedback is helpful.

Thanks,

@Chace Fraser

Thanks Chace, that info is super helpful!

@Travis Biziorek

Thanks I appreciate you providing the pros and cons of both options! I think I really want to avoid damages early on with this property and also use the appliances for additional rent/ more attraction to the property with it being my first.

Do you provide your appliances new or used? Also if you could share where you buy them I’d appreciate it!

@Abel Curiel

Abel, thanks for the response. I was assuming that was standard and you confirmed for me. I believe I’ll try to get a nicer used fridge and stove since the unit is updated

Hello All,

I’m closing soon on my first House Hack deal/rental property in Detroit that is a Duplex and the home has no appliances. I will be getting all appliances for my unit obviously , but I’m curious as to what appliances I should provide to the tenant?

Do most landlords provide Stove/Oven and Refrigerator and leave washer and dryer to tenant??

Any and all insight will be beneficial, thanks!

@Austin Hefner

Nice work man, I’m working on closing on my first House Hack deal for a Duplex in Detroit myself!

@Cindy Gonzalez

Definitely keep the extra cash beyond the minimum down payment. I’m closing on my first hack as well and was able to find a grant to cover my closing costs.

Also in Detroit where I’m investing they are very strict on having rentals up to code so I’ll be using some of the extra money I had saved for obtaining my Certificate of Compliance. You may want to look into how much the inspections cost for that in your area.

Good luck!

@Michele Zugschwerdt

Hey Michele,

Thank you for your response I read about the independent agents as well so once I get my inspection report later I’ll contact one. Also I’ll definitely require the renters insurance to help better protect their personal items (I read a post that it could be as little as $20 to cover a very reasonable amount).

I’m happy I didn’t just automatically bundle with Progressive since I have auto there. Keep me updated with your progress on this !

Thanks again,

Hey BP Family,

I’m in the process of buying a Duplex for House Hacking and I’m curious to know what specific protections in my home insurance is recommended since I’ll be renting one of the units.

Also as a landlord should I require the tenant to obtain Renters insurance or just recommend (maybe even charge monthly for not having it??) ?

Any responses and advice will be helpful as this the beginning of my landlord journey and I have no experience.

Thank you,

@Johnny Nelson

Hey Johnny, I’m house hacking myself and will be in the upper unit of my duplex (Still in the process of securing loan). I see you mentioned that you had tenants already renting before getting your Certificate. I live in Detroit so I’m curious if that’s acceptable in my market. Was there any pushback on the inspector seeing tenants already in place? Also what takeaways did you have from the inspection??

Thanks,