All Forum Posts by: Caleb Gerbrandt

Depends of the town. We have a rental in a small town where the cemetery is like a park by the river, people walk there all the time. We also have a rental right by train tracks, it hasn't been a problem. Just like they said, figure in extra money for you in the deal!

Psalms 16:11 says of the Lord, "You make known to me the path of life. In your Presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forevermore." Seek an encounter with Jesus Christ, give your life to Him, beat the depression once and for all. Then start listening to the BP podcast and read the books!!

Look into investing in the Midwest, like Texas. International would be too much money and hassle just starting out.

Hey man! I have slept in my pickup on surf trips to so cal- it's a fun life if you have money! But life is about more than money, that's why it's nice to have rental properties that crank out $4k+ per month so you can do what you want (family, travel, etc). Getting there takes some learning and risk-taking. My wife and I are only a fraction of the way there, but we are on the journey! Step 1 get some steady income. You will need steady income $40K- $60K/yr with 2 years of tax returns showing that if you are self employed. This is to show the banks so they will loan you the cash to buy rentals. You can get in the game sooner with private lenders, but they are also going to want some proof of income. Sell rock climbing gear online, become a surf instructor, turn your passion into some income, save some money for down payments, get educated on investing for cashflow and you will be well on your way! God bless you, Alex!

Well, I have a duplex in Fresno. I pay the water/sewer/garbage out of the rents it's $125/month. If I got another water meter, it would be two bills, $250/month! Its totally fine to keep the city services in your name. Just screen right and your tenants will pay. We have another rental house in another town that requires tenants to put down a $400 deposit to start city services in their name! PGnE is good to separate, but city services are the same cost each month, doesn't range up and down so it's easy to bill your tenant or just roll it into your rents.

You can try to match the wall color as best you can, no need to paint the whole house, just the walls that need it.

That might be a process to get that done. Check with your local planning authority to see if the suite can get its own address. Then apply for the permits. Schedule PGnE and an electrician/plumber. I would advise keeping the water bill as one to save money, just charge each tenant 50% of the bill. Just a guess for permitting and the contractor, 3-4K?

Yes! Actually the duplex is on E Shields Ave in Fresno. I'll answer anything I can for you!

I did a 203k here in CA on a duplex. Worked out really good, but it was a hassle to jump through all the hoops. The first contractor didn't have a high enough credit score, the escrow process took 4 months, etc. That was also due in part to my mortgage lender didn't have experience with this loan and was using me as a guinea pig. They farmed out the inspections and draw payments to a company called Reno-ready. It was great because I got a new roof and all the repairs done with the 30 year mortgage money. Short answer, find a mort company and contractor that have experience with rehab loans.

GCs are good for more complex projects with a lot going on. Sounds like a straightforward rehab, you can hire the window, carpet, and paint guys yourself. Is it already under contract?