All Forum Posts by: Jeff Howard

Yes, I noticed that, but I am not looking for current data, and for rentals I do not need a lot of data. I am looking for data from the last 12 months to perform an analysis.  

Your comment is very valid, but I have ulterior motives. Is this type of data pull possible out of the MLS?

Odd question, but can Oklahoma City Real Estate agents download .csv files for the oklahoma city metro area?  

I am looking to see if i can get an excel file of the last 12 months worth of all property sales in oklahoma and the last 12 months of all mls property rentals in oklahoma.

Is it possible for a real estate agent to give me this data?

Where and when?  Thank you...

K, sorry I could not figure out how to edit my post.  One really important thing is something that is brief, or fast to read, 100 pages of good solid advice is better than 100 pages of that advice with 200 pages of fluff to thicken the book.  I hope that does not offend anyone... oh, got to go, microwave just went off. 

Wife and I are going to start reading to each other each night on how to get started as a landlord.   Wanted to see if there was a good beginner's book to help us, something that would answer the following questions:

1. Financial strategies, i.e. avoiding taxes, 1% rule, 20 vs 25% down, whatever, what are the different viable financial options for purchasing a house and making profit, and what are the "definitely don't do X" things

2.  How do I determine if the market is too competitive for a particular neighborhood?  I.e. when I look at a neighborhood on zillow that has 200 houses in it, and 20 for rent right now, should I avoid that neighborhood?  

3. Buying strategies:  High income vs. Low income areas, what to look for, schools, amenities, what are the pros and cons.

4. What is a good game plan from now to handing the keys to someone?

5. Ethical strategies and thinking behind buying from a Realtor without a Realtor.  I.E.  i want them to make their money, but not bringing a Realtor I would like a better deal.

I did a search and saw this:  

http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing

Maybe that is all I need?

I also saw this article which I was going to review this evening.

http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14...

Anyway, we are total beginners but want to do this,  Our current strategy is to find a house in a lower cost but well kept neighborhood with good schools, 25% down (don't know why) 15 year loan, rent to a family.

Thought maybe someone might have a personal suggestion.  

Both of you have been most helpful, and I really appreciate the politeness of this site.  You both have encouraged me to start pushing forward.  We have our plan in place for next week.

Val, I have to say, your 1% idea is pretty slick.  I have a realtor friend that would probably do that for me.  Realtor gets 5% or 3%, their choice.  I could probably get my realitor friend to take 1.5% actually now that I think about it.  

Speaking of being creative, I have a step brother in CA that is a lender, but he can't operate in the state of OK without a license.  I might figure out how to get him one and pay for it

 or norman, or east MWC

 Thanks Val, never thought about borrowing realtor commision.  I like your creativity.  I know someone who did just what you said about showing a property that they had not closed on yet.  I watched them do that and bang they had a deal before they closed.  Yes, you have to disclose that the rent agreement is contingent on being able to close.  We are going to work this this month, and see how far we get.  I would like to be done with step 4 by Jan 31st.

 YES, that's what is driving me, the cost of inaction is so much more expensive.