All Forum Posts by: Chris Eaker

I think you answered your own question.

As for lead tracking software, have you looked at the one BiggerPockets offers as part of your Pro membership?

@Jerrell Slay That's good. I have a turn coming up at the end of July. It might be a good time to test each other out.

@Jerrell Slay

I have some properties in Knoxville and would love to have a dependable company to go in and do all that needs to be done in a unit to turn it -- for a reasonable price of course. To answer your questions...

What do you look for in a cleaning company? One that is dependable, shows up when they say they will, don't need constant supervision, doesn't require me to tell them every little thing to do, but does what they see needs to be done.

What gets your attention? If there was one company that would de-junk, repaint or touch up paint, repair minor issues, clean carpet, and clean the unit, then it would be a great deal.

When does persistence become annoying? Only after I've said I'm not interested and they keep asking.

What are the things you considered when you look and hire a turn key cleaning company? Is their price all inclusive? Do they nickel and dime me? Can they do it all without me telling them every little detail? Are they conscious of cost? Are they fast? Are they honest? 

What are some ways I could get our name out there, or some advertising p.m. and landlords actually look at? Bigger Pockets is a good way. Also contact all for rent ads on Craigslist and Zillow and offer your services. Post ads on Craigslist services/skilled trade section. That's where I look.

Hi @Jen Rogers

When you get to Knoxville, let me know and we'll get coffee. I live in the west part of town right off I-40 in a neighborhood called Crestwood Hills. It's an older neighborhood built in the 60s. I have 5 rentals, but now I am focusing my attention on acquiring multifamily properties. The deal flow is very low in Knoxville in that area, so I am focusing around the southeast. If you're interested in learning how you could invest in multifamily, let me know. Good luck with your move and I hope we can connect once you arrive.

@Rich V. I'm dealing with multifamily owners who always have a separate bank account. You're right, you may get push back from small time owners, especially those who use their personal bank accounts. Aside from that, I don't know of any other way to verify people actually pay.

@Mashy Green

You are right, a rent roll is not going to show you if tenants pay, only how much they are supposed to pay. You must ask to see bank statements for the last 12 months and match up the deposits on there with the rent roll, and cross check all that with the leases. Do they all match? If not, why?

BS in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech. Technical background helps tremendously in analyzing properties (multifamily properties is my area of focus).

MS in Information Science from University of Tennessee. I am a researcher by nature and was trained in how to find the right information. This is invaluable when you're searching for information.

 It's not that the tax rate is 2% higher, but non-owner occupied properties pay tax based off 6% of the assessed value vs 4% for owner occupied properties. 

@Kevin Wiley

Meet your goal in one transaction. Use your $50K to go in with several other investors and buy a 30-unit apartment complex. 

@Kyle R.

If the property is set up for it, sub-metering doesn't have to be very expensive. I'm glad you learned this now rather than later. I only learned it a few weeks ago. I am looking at a property in the Charlotte metro area, but it's right across the state line in South Carolina. A property manager I've been speaking to about it told me "Good thing this one's in South Carolina, because you can't do RUBS in North Carolina!" I never knew either!