All Forum Posts by: Brian C.

Interesting article for my area. However, the information may not necessarily be new to those who market using bandit signs. Post it on Friday, pick up on Sunday?

http://www.restonnow.com/2015/07/09/fairfax-to-kee...

Fairfax to Keep Clearing Illegal Road Signs

by Karen Goff — July 9, 2015 at 9:00 am

Fairfax County says its program to remove distracting and illegal signs from major road medians has been a big success and will continue.

In July 2013, the county instituted a program to have the Sheriff’s Community Labor Force regularly pick up political campaign signs, advertising signs and more every week.

Fairfax officials that crews picked up 14,000 signs countywide the first year and 22,000 signs the second year, marking the program as a success.

Officials plan to expand the program with a second removal crew this year.

The county formerly picked up signs only when there was a complaint. Signs are now picked up on selected roads on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The program covers 63 streets — or about 200 miles of roadway — county officials said. Most are two-lane, divided highways. Locally, that includes Fairfax County Parkway, South Lakes Drive, Sunset Hills Road, Reston Parkway and Sunrise Valley Drive, among others.

Crews hit each of the 63 roads at least once a month, the county says. After the county removes a sign, it is stored for five calendar days at the I-66 Transfer Station where it may be reclaimed. Signs are destroyed after five days.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is still responsible for road maintenance. However, if a sign on any public road presents a safety hazard, drivers should contact VDOT at 1-800-FOR-ROAD or via their online form.

@David Kosiorek

Have you considered knocking on neighbor's doors of your rehab property letting them know how much you bought the property for and if they're willing to sell? Could be a way to get off MLS leads and cut down on the commute time for you and your contractors doing multiple properties at once.

Does anyone flip properties in the Anacostia area? My capital can't afford the astronomical "hot" areas of DC but I can afford the Anacostia area. Now I realize the reason behind the lower prices due to the bad reputation it gets and the resulting longer days on market post rehab but from my research the area has some redeeming qualities. Would love to read other people's thoughts.

Hi @Michelle Nelson

I have no experience in rental properties but I just wanted to offer some thoughts. Student housing will always have some type of demand depending on the college. With that, students might not always treat your property the same way as a family would, kind of taking a big risk there. Also, have to make sure student housing costs during the semester are sufficient to cover the slower season of the summer session. Just my 2c.

@Jimmy Nguyen I would be interested in your GC referral as well. Do they do DC as well?

Hey @Chris Seveney welcome to Biggerpockets! I attend Traction and while they usually attract a larger group I also like Capitol REIA that meets in Fairfax, and CAZA meetup in Reston (hosted by Keller Williams realty). No selling going on at those groups. They focus more on the networking and crowd participation about those topics and usually you'll find less beginner investors.

I am searching for rehab properties in the DC and NOVA areas and would be interested in your GC contacts. Thanks!

Brian

One way to start out with a small SDIRA is wholesaling. Earnest money would be put out and the profits go back in. Just a thought. 

Yes @Joshua McCarthy usually you have to physically visit the office to get this information. Some counties are more tech savvy than others and will provide this information online (usually for a charge). I would also get in contact with probate attorneys in your area and ask if they wouldn't mind giving you some leads. Title companies can be a good resource too. 

Hi @Miles White is the seller ok with just accepting what is owed on the property? ($155k) I would determine how much work needs to be done to the house and how much that will cost. Compare that to the 200k comps (usually around 70% of ARV- after repair value) and minus a fee for you. If that makes sense then I would do the deal. Maybe all fixed up with higher end finishes gets you more than 200k? I would ask some contractors/rehabbers who are familiar with your area how much it'll cost/willing to pay for such a property first. Just my 2c. I would be interested in what others have to say.

@Jesse T. do you go to those meetings? I have attended the past two months. I like it so far. We should meetup sometime.