All Forum Posts by: Casey Ocasio

Hey Cleveland REI's! Going into my first winter as a landlord and curious to hear about how you all handle snow removal. I've read multiple views and it seems I could write it into the lease to have tennants handle, handle it myself or hire someone. I prefer to hire someone or handle myself for liability reasons, but curious what others do.

If you hire for snow removal, do they do the driveway only? Or will they shovel and salt the walkways, front steps and sidewalks as well?

Any recommendations for services or individuals to contact for this? The duplex is in Cleveland proper (west park).

Thank you!

Hey Anthony! I'm totally interested. My husband and I just closed on our first duplex and are in full renovation mode, but in the next couple months as we have some free time again, I would definitely be interested. Sounds like a great opportunity to learn and meet other folks in the community. Thanks for pulling this together!

That's awesome @Justin Gibbs ! I came to the same conclusion about Detroit Shoreway, Tremont and OHC. Also, great gig with Lyft while listening and researching neighborhoods. 

And @Colleen Arends ... yes, i'd love to grab lunch sometime. Are you interested in Lakewood for investing?

Hello! I'm currently shopping rates for a cash-out refi. I've received a GFE from First Federal of Lakewood but am doing my due diligence to ensure I'm getting the best rate. I hope to establish a relationship with this bank and use them for future investments, business banking and potentially personal as well. 

I'd prefer to establish a local relationship.

Thanks!

Oh yeah @Lincoln Coverdale, i know that area! Its a cute neighborhood. Yeah, i'd love to get together to discuss... I'll PM you to set something up. Thanks!

Thanks for the responses, guys! 

@Lincoln Coverdale, is your heights property near enough to the circle that you rent to students, or is your angle more on young professionals and families? I was once a student in University Circle, living in Little Italy and Coventry areas, and although students can really lack respect for the residences, they often come with financial parental backing, which is a huge plus!

@Tom Ott, thanks for the encouragement on heights. You're totally right, its really starting to improve over there. I was worried about East Cleveland spreading south... but I think that rising demand due to improvements from the circle is more likely.

and lastly, @James Wise, i literally just finished listening to your BP podcast... unfortunately the cavs lost that year :) Thanks for the tip on expedience with the offers. My current realtor does not have much experience in investment property, so I'm looking into working with someone who specializes in this area. Once our refinance is complete and we (husband and I) have a clear plan of action, I'll reach out to see if Holton Wise could be a good fit for us.

Hello all! I'm new to REI and am interested in connecting with other newbies (and of course seasoned pros) here in Cleveland. Are you also just getting started? Let's connect about how your research is going, what strategy you're pursuing, etc. If you're established and want to weigh in with sage advice and encouragement, please do!

I'll start: I'm Casey, a creative director / marketer by profession and a lifelong-learner with a passion for entrepreneurial ventures and a knack for numbers... so a passionate right/left brainer. I'm just getting into REI and am in the process of learning as much as i can, solidifying my strategy and building connections. I Just wrapped up "Rich Dad, Poor Dad", starting on "Building Wealth One House at a time" (Schaub) and devouring BP podcasts and webinars. I hope to make my first deal in the next 6 months, leveraging the equity that we've built in our primary residence. At this point I am thinking a 2-3 family home either in Lakewood or Cleveland Heights... although the heat of the Lakewood market worries me a bit. Additionally, I know there's a lot of competition here in Cleveland from out of state investors, so am thinking that driving for dollars may help me to take advantage of being a local, plus my marketing and communications skills will come in handy with this approach.

Thoughts? Feedback? Recommendations? What's your plan?