All Forum Posts by: Cheng Bin Zhang

Hi, I am an investor/ agent in Boston but I would like to do some investment in the Bronx, NY. I have a very distinct set of criteria and do visit NYC monthly. Please contact me if you are licensed and have invested in the Bronx. Thanks! Cheng

Bill Thompson Yah. Cash out refi is what I'm aiming towards as well. I'll check out the zoning clinic next week and see what's up. Do you have a site or links to these modular homes? Is there a price per sqft for a modular? Thanks, Cheng

@Bill Thompson - great info! so your addition is attached to your personal residence and pulls its electricity, water and gas from your main residence? Did you cash out refi your property to pay for the addition?  

I will definitely check out the zoning clinic. Amazing how I found that out here instead of the cityofboston.gov

Would I be able to use a modular home option even if I have to go through variance? Just not sure how modular these homes are in conforming to existing property. I would love to get in touch with your modular home contractor. 

We are walking distance to Stony Brook actually. Where are you located?

Best,

Cheng

I want to thank everyone for some incredible input and creative ideas.  I'm wavering between a parking spot vs. the concept of an addition.  Obviously a parking spot is low value investment but easy to implement/ smaller return.  The problem with a parking spot is that street parking is readily available in JP.  An addition, in vice versa, big investment and potentially high returns. 

@Bill Thompson - your experience with requesting an addition included an entire unit (I.e. Bathroom, kitchen, living rooms, bedrooms etc.)? Do you have a good contact in the area?  I'd like to do a bit more research.

Thanks again.  You guys are amazing!

Cheng

Well, Tiny Homes are recognized as a mobile home/trailer right now.  And I'm more specifically interested in folks that might have gone through variance/appeal in MA to build such structure.

Well, it's currently zoned as unusable residential land...  CODE 132 if that helps :)

I think the entire zoning system needs to be revamp since it was defined more than 50 years ago.  It basically requires you to build a mcmansion (sunroom, dining room, living room, 2 parking spots per unit!).  Who lives like that in the city anymore?

Cheng

Hi All,

Along with our first property, we also purchased an unusable lot from the MBTA.  The lot size is too small (~1700sqft) to conform with existing zoning requirements.  We've been thinking about potentially putting a few Tiny Homes on the lot for short term rentals (AirBNB, HomeAway, etc.).  The lot is actually next to our Subway in Boston in a very very ideal location.   Want to reach out to the Boston BP community for some input?    I've actually had people approach me to see if they can leave their Tiny Homes on the lot for monthly rents.

Thoughts?

Best

Hi All,

I'm looking at a single family house in Boston that has the potential to be converted into a two family building.  We've definitely seen single families on that block that's been converted successfully but I've just never personally worked on one.  Certainly would need to pull a permit, go through a review board, contractors, etc.  Are there local developers or contractors with this type of experience that I can provide some input?  I'd love to buy you coffee and chat/pick your brain.

Best,

Cheng

Hi All,

I'm currently managing a unit with 4 tenants and I've originally arrange the lease to have all four tenants be jointly/severally responsible for the rent. With the new lease cycle coming up, they've asked to renew the lease but they'd like to find a fourth person themselves (as one of the current tenants is moving out). I've heard recommendations about just assigning it to one person in the group and having that person be solely responsible for collecting the rent and sending it. But the concern is how do you screen the other tenants that she/he then brings into the property? Looking for some wise input from the BP community here.

Best,

Cheng

Hi All,

I'm currently managing a unit with 4 tenants and I've originally arrange the lease to have all four tenants be jointly/severally responsible for the rent.  With the new lease cycle coming up, they've asked to renew the lease but they'd like to find a fourth person themselves (as one of the current tenants is moving out).  I've heard recommendations about just assigning it to one person in the group and having that person be solely responsible for collecting the rent and sending it.  But the concern is how do you screen the other tenants that she/he then brings into the property?  Looking for some wise input from the BP community here.

Best,

Cheng