All Forum Posts by: Chris D.

@Chris Seveney: Hi Chris. I do know of one person who has taken the class. I have taken a few of their other classes and have gotten a lot of benefit from them. I'm taking the 9 hour tile class this coming Tues./Wed. and Thursday. By the end of it, I will likely know how to estimate square footage and be able to speak intelligently with a contractor about the tile job requirements. Feel free to check in with me to see how I felt about it. From what I understand, you build an actual bathroom on site at the Bryant Center in Alexandria. A woman I know who has taken it told me it refreshed her soldering skills so that sounded fairly hands on to me. I've signed up for it but it doesn't start until Oct. 4th. I can be the BP guinea pig and people can check in with me. 

@Carson Sweezy: Hi Carson. Thanks. Which REIA's/meetups are you going to these days?

Hi BP'ers:

I've been taking contractor/maintenance oriented classes through Fairfax County Adult Education. If you are a rehabber who is NOT a contractor or if you're somewhat new, these classes might be something to consider. I feel they have really elevated my confidence level in learning the processes and the lingo when speaking with contractors. There is a 10 week, 3 hr. once per week bathroom remodeling workshop starting Wed. Oct. 4th....you build an actual bathroom. This one always sells out. They also offer plumbing, electrical, trim, HVAC, drywall and a host of other classes. I am having trouble inserting the link. If you are interested to go aceclasses.fcps.edu and look for the adult enrichment, do it yourself section. I have really enjoyed the 5 week introductory plumbing class. Would love to see rehabbers and investors in my bathroom remodeling class! 

This post is geared toward Northern Virginia/DC members. I wanted to let you all know about the terrific classes and workshops offered by Fairfax County Adult Education! I am not affiliated with them in any way other than the fact I a have enjoyed their classes. If you are a rehabber who is NOT a general contractor, you might want to consider checking them out. The one I am most excited about is starting Oct. 4th. It is called the Bathroom remodeling workshop....demonstration and hands on, a 10 week class, held one per week for 3 hours on Wednesday nights in which the students construct an actual bathroom....yee haw!! This class always fills up quickly. I'm taking it and would love to have local rehabbers and investors in the class. It's expensive, $513 but by the end, I will hve a good handle on estimating kitchens and baths renovations. 

I had difficulty inserting the link so if you are interested go to aceclasses.fcps.edu and look for the bathroom remodeling workshop or just check them out in general. They have plumbing, electrical, hvac, drywall and other classes. They have given me confidence in talking with contractors.

Hope to see some of you there!

@Mike D'Arrigo: thanks for the response. I feel like we are always instructed as investors to make our money when we buy (i.e. buy at a discount). Turnkey is priced at retail and I understand the reasons for that. So, I will probably have to dip my toe in and hire contractors to do renovations. Also, I'd like to hire professional property management. I feel like I'd have a better shot at learning how to manage the manager if I'm living locally..at least for awhile. 

Hi Marcia:

Thanks for posting the link. Glad you liked it!

Hi all:

FYI - I love the site Newgeography.com. Has lots of interesting information about demographics, economics, urban planning and growing areas.

Hi Deb:

Thanks so much for your response. I know there are others who have moved just to establish in another market.....the Syrios brothers (BP Podcast 121) did a whole podcast on thier move to Kansas City.  Thanks for your feedback!

Chris

Hi All:

We see so many posts about out of town investing. Has anyone on this board actually moved to the out of state/out of town market either for a short term or a long term specifically for the purpose of building a rental portfolio? If so, I'd love to hear your feedback. I have a very flexible situation and it is something I am considering (with the market being Charlotte, NC). I live in DC....thinking about moving for a year to 2. Am I crazy? Love to hear any comments other than telling me to buy in the DC market. Prices are too high here and Baltimore is tenant friendly so thats out!

Hi to the Californians!! I am planning to visit to scope out the scene mid-February. Will be doing lots of research as I am considering relocating and buying rental property there. Keep in touch and I'll let you know what I find out.