All Forum Posts by: Caroling Lee

Thanks for posting this. I just reached out to Doug and will update this post with my experience.

I'd be interested too. I'm in Austin, but at this point, I'd be fine with anyone in Texas. Seems like these folks are a rare breed.

Hi BP Community:

I'm interested in getting recommendations on Tenant Screening Services. I recently read through the forums and read that TransUnion's tool, SmartMove was recommended by BP, so I tried it, and I have to say that I'm disappointed. 

Yes, it provides criminal background and credit check, but it doesn't ask the tenant to fill out other basic info that would be requested on a rental application - like employment history, pets, previous landlord references etc., even if they aren't checking on those items, I want that info. And a random 'resident score' with no explanation of the scale for the score. AND no credit score. I mean, it's TransUnion, one would think that a credit score would be included. 

I've already paid the $35 and emailed their customer service, but it's moot now as I want to get more info than what they provided. Now, I feel like I need to go back to my potential tenant and ask for them to fill out a rental application. I should have checked a sample report from SmartMove before going through with the service.

I'm currently evaluating Tenant Background Search and Cozy. Any experience with these or others that you've had great experiences with would be great!

Caroling

I'm also interested to know if there's a local meetup of property managers in the area.

I'm on the Facebook too.

I joined the same meetup, but then I got a message from Meetup.com that she thought she was creating the meetup in California, or something like that, so now there's no organizer. Maybe you'd like to take it over? I'd be willing to co-organize with someone. I'm in Austin, but also interested in looking at San Antonio. I'm a total newbie investor, so it would be great to have someone with more experience to co-organize.

Send me a PM if you'd like to chat more about it.

https://www.meetup.com/Women-Real-Estate-Investors...

@Melanie Campbell - I don't know that you need a formal reservation for most. I've been aware of them via meetup.com. Sometimes they do link to a page where you have to make a reservation, but for the most part, you can just show up. I know that they probably prefer that you RSVP via Meetup.com.

I've been looking at turnkey investing. It might be an option for you. Not sure it's the route I will go as I'm thinking I'll probably invest locally but it does sound like it cuts through some of that stuff you described. I've been listening to some podcasts about it and learning a lot. Like with anything, you're gonna have to do your due diligence. Turnkey properties are likely sold at closer to retail but as the name states, it's turnkey so you're paying for a service.

I'm looking for the same thing. I know you probably don't want to reveal the Meetup you went to but I would be interested in knowing which ones to avoid as well.

@Michael Bishop I'd be interested in the list that you're compiling if you're willing to share your findings. I'm in a similar position where I am about to move out of my primary residence and it will be an investment property. I plan to purchase another rental this year if possible and I'm looking to get recommendations on CPA (I have one for my personal, but I'm thinking it would be good to look for someone to help me with all things real estate), an attorney and a property manager. Any help would be greatly appreciated!