All Forum Posts by: Brian Coleman

Does anyone have a process for screening international tenants who don't have a social security number? I'm finding that I can't run a background check without a SS#. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks @Ned Carey. That's great advice.  Hope to see you around the neighborhood!

Thanks Danielle.  I'll check out that podcast next!

Hi Michael - happy to connect.  I'll shoot you a colleague request.

Hi Everyone

I'm an investor in Baltimore.  A friend introduced me to Bigger Pockets and after I listened to a few podcasts, I was hooked!

I own 3 properties totaling 20 units (14 unit, 4 unit and 2 unit). I manage the properties myself and have done many of the renovations (based on YouTube videos and Home Depot).

My background is accounting and finance: CPA/MBA (Columbia University).

At this point, I'd like to transition out of the sweat equity phase and into building a team and growing.

I'm curious how others have managed that transition.  Did you organically grow cash flow and hire people?  Did you partner (or sell property) and buy bigger properties?  Is there a podcast on this topic?  

Looking forward to getting more involved in the community.

Brian

Nice work! A great win-win example.

I've used e-renter.com for the background check. It costs $20. It gives everything but employment verification (which I verify with pay stubs or offer letter), past landlords (which I can call) and credit check (which I personally don't do, but e-renter offers).

My 14 unit was 80% LTV with a personal guarantee. DSCR was 1.15. Credit score needed to be at least 650. This was a local bank in Baltimore: 1st Mariner Bank.

Thanks for your feedback. Yes, basically I'd like a relatively cheap system (say $1000 or less) where the FedEx guy (or anyone) can call the tenant, it rings on their phone, they can visually see who it is, and click a buzzer to let them in. I wasn't aware of what VOIP was, but it sounds like a part of what I'm looking for. I guess it's basically Skype technology (video and voice over the Internet). I'll check out Star2Star too. Thx

Thanks Yinan. From what I can tell Lowes Iris seems to be more for single family residences or condos. The only company I can find, so far, who does it for Multifamily is Siedle who can customize a technology to fit what I need. That can be a little pricey though. Thought there might be another pre-made option out there.