All Forum Posts by: Christian Austin

Great idea @Justin Silverio I would be interested in meeting north of Boston. Evenings would work best, but I could probably make a lunch meeting depending on the exact location.

Thanks for all of the advice! I'm never let down by the BP forums.
It sounds like networking, with employees and contractors, at home improvement stores is good strategy. Stephanie Dupuis, thank you for pointing me towards www.homeadvisor.com. I will look there before Angie's list. Ahmed Porter and Prashant P., great suggestions to finding active contractors in the area. Getting contractor referrals from the database of pulled permits is a great idea I wouldn't have thought of.

Hello BP. After struggling with the dilemma of buying a multifamily in a rising Boston market or renting and buying elsewhere, I decided to buy a duplex--or should I say, was able to get one under contract; it was very difficult to get any offer that made financial sense accepted.

My questions now relate to getting the property up and running and making future renovations. In the immediate future, I'll need some roofing work done, and possibly an electrical service upgrade. In the more distance future, I'd like to expand the number of bedrooms and add a bath to one of the units. Can you suggest where/how to find good contractors. There do not seem to be many contractors at the REIA I attend. I've seen people suggested going to a home improvement store early. What do you think of Angie's list? I'd gladly take PM suggestions for roofers, electrician's, plumbers and general contractors in the Boston area.

Thanks for your input.

Hi Andrew,

Welcome to biggerpockets. I've learned a great deal from the BP articles and podcasts, and have received great advice from members on renting versus owning in the Boston market. I'm sure you'll find great contacts here.

Good luck on your marketing campaign. I'd like to hear how it works out.

Ziv Magen, you have a very interesting investment background, not boring at all. It sounds like you have a very well diversified, well-thought-out portfolio. I can see why renting where you would like to live and investing elsewhere is a good strategy for you and your family. I'm not considering international investment at this time, but if I do in the future, I'd surely like to ask you some questions. Thanks for the advice and encouragement.

Justin Fong welcome to BP. I'm also a new member from the Boston area, and am in the market for an owner occupied multifamily. However, I've been struggling on whether to stick to this plan or invest in another area. The REI numbers in Boston are very tight, and in my experience there is a very strong seller's market now. I'll be interested in hearing what you decide to do.

You've come to the right place for advice. Ali Boone and Marco Santarelli, in particular, have been very helpful.

Thanks everyone for your input. Although investing out of area has its challenges, from feedback it appears to be a good option if living in an area not good for investing, especially if using a good turnkey company.

Ali Boone I'll take you up on your offer for offline advice on good turnkeys. Thanks!

Thank you everyone for the advice. My followup questions mainly focus on forming a good team, especially in remote regions.

Ali Boone your turnkey investment strategy is very interesting. It sounds like there may be less problems with this approach than trying to do the acquisition and rehab yourself. I've read some of your other threads on turnkeys, and it is clear that not all turnkeys are created equal. How would you recommend finding a reputable one?

Marco Santarelli it sounds like finding a good team is an iterative processes, and that one cannot expect to pick the best team members first time around? How would you suggest finding a network outside of your local area? BP forums are probably a start.

Lynn M. your properties are not in your local area, but are within a drivable distance; do you feel that is important, as opposed to purchasing a property that requires plane travel or a road trip? How did you go about forming your contacts in Raleigh?

Rich Weese I feel the same way about owning a property free and clear. I would like to own a "primary" residence that is completely paid off long before other investments.

Lastly, does anyone have experience investing in Ohio, turnkey or not? I am familiar with and have contacts in Columbus, and am somewhat familiar with Dayton. Thanks.

Maxwell Dolgin Welcome. I'm in a similar situation, newly out of college, working full time and looking to do REI in the Boston area part time. I'm planning on attending my first Black Diamond meeting this Tuesday. See you there?

Marco Santarelli thanks for the feedback. When first starting out, did you continue to rent while buying properties for investment? Also, when you started to purchase out-of-state properties, did you form a team on your own, or did you begin investing out-of-state with a turnkey company. I am curious how you went about forming relationships with realtors, contractors, and property managers out-of-state. Thanks.