All Forum Posts by: Bryan Cavellier

I own a duplex in a C class neighborhood. People are low income, but good people and generally speaking take care of their homes to an ok degree. My question is simple, how much money should I spend on landscaping as it is something that obviously doesn't drive home or rent value up all that much... is it THAT important to tenants? I obviously keep the grass well maintained and sidewalks clean but would some mulch and flowers beds be worth it or just another thing to maintain and not worth my time? Thanks as always BP!!!

I am curious of everyone's perspectives on this. Is it legal to have a SFH that has a mother-in-law suite attached to it be rented out to a normal 12 month lease type of tenant and then have the mother-in-law suite be an Airbnb. There would be separate/private entrances for both and utilities would be paid by landlord obviously.

Is this legal or is this acting as a MFH that is zoned SFH and obviously that is illegal. There is only one signed lease on the property so I'm curious if that plays a factor. How is this different than someone say renting out a garage for storage to one person and renting out the house that is on the same property to a different person, one property but two streams of income? Very curious on everyone's thoughts, Thanks BP!!

If I owner occupy a SFH home my lendors are telling me a down payment of 15-20% but if I would want a MFH it would be a 20-25% down payment. Why is that? I would have more of an income with a MFH than a SFH, what am I missing? Thanks in Advance for all the help/advice.

Thank you to everyone that responded, even if it  was  about some coffee sluts (apparently something I need to look into if ever in Guam....) I am in the research phase and not in a huge rush, but some great points ,advice, and knowledge in this thread so as a whole, THANK YOU! 

Has anyone 1031 exchanged in different states? (EXAMPLE: I own a property in NY and wanted to buy in GA) Is this possible? Anyone have any stories or experiences exchanging in different states? Love any and all responses! 

Is it possible (legal) to make SFH a long term rental (12 month lease plus) while having a finished and separate mother in law suite or a finished basement an Airbnb? or sense those are two units I am operating a MFH in a SFH which my zoning peeps wont like too much. Curious on your thoughts?

-Context, I would obviously have utilities included in the long term unit and wouldn't be "converting" SFH into anything more than closing off a door way or hallway...no need to be getting permits for new electrical/plumbing/new structure.

-Would love thoughts on this type of idea and any logistic or legal concerns or advice you have from your POV BP, THANKS!

I have been contemplating whether or not to go through the process of becoming a real estate agent.I was hoping I could get some peoples' pros and cons of the job, things you like and dislike about the job...in advance THANK YOU! And of course any advice for me moving forward is appreciated. 

I am curious about legalities in what I am thinking of doing. Is it possible to make a SFH into a multifamily (2 units). Theoretically I would buy a SFH with some type of mother in law suite or finished basement that makes sense. I would not split utilities of the two units either. Is this legal (New York)? I see properties all the time labeled unit A/B or 1/2 because they aren't split... thoughts?

-Why would I want to do this? I don't have the cash for a 20% down multi-family and am currently in my FHA loan so that option is out as well.

I am curious to hear everyone's lowest down payment (%) on a Multifamily property (2-4 units). Obviously there is 3.5% with FHA, but are there any low government programs or random credit unions/savings banks that allow 0-10%? I am currently in an FHA loan so can't open another one (not looking to refi quiet yet), but want to buy another property (multifamily, 2-4 units). ANY and all suggestions, thanks!!

Disclaimer: I am house hacking with a FT job... and am not rich so upfront capital is the problem at the moment. 

@Damian Bialonczyk So with only paying off the 3.5% and adding little value I probably will not reach that 80% LTV. Thanks man!