All Forum Posts by: Chris Schuler

I have a unique opportunity to talk with a 10 year younger version of myself, a friend who has just established himself in his career, is considering his first home purchase, and will soon be a BP forum member. So my question to you is what episode stands out as one of the more impactful episodes for newbies? Episode 11 was the ultimate beginners guide, and has been one of my favorites that I've gone back to two or three times. Honorable mention would go to any of @J Scott's episodes. Maybe as I get better at real estate I'll get better at tagging users.

Thanks for the quick reply and advice, Deanna McCormick!

Thanks Scott Brod , keep listening and keep learning. The experience you've gained from being exposed to those two successful transactions will go a long way in preparing you for your first deal on your own. There are a lot of good texts recommended through BP, but specific to renting I'd recommend "Landlording on Autopilot." Best of luck!

I'm watching the Roswell Road corridor in north Buckhead/Sandy Springs.  There has been a lot of investment in improving that area over the past few years: three low-rent apartment complexes have been demolished to create mixed-use higher end retail space (Roswell Rd and Windsor Parkway) as well as new construction apartment and town-homes (1mi north.)  With Sandy Springs getting their new city center just outside the perimeter, and several new mixed-use construction projects underway, the area is improving rapidly.

I know this isn't a home improvement forum, but I am so happy with the result in the kitchen that I had to share some before and after pictures.

As this is my first rental property and a unit I've owned and neglected for 8ys, it felt great to finally get some improvements done and put me one step closer to maximizing the value of a unit located in a rapidly improving market.

Before: small galley kitchen, old single-pane window, textured ceiling with dated fixture, lineoleum, ceiling holes from the bathroom renovation upstairs and chasing a tub leak

After: opened the wall, removed the valence, IKEA cabinets/countertop, repurposed shelves from another room, donated subway tile, free dishwasher and stove (donated from friend that just upgraded,) recessed lightning on a dimmer switch, $300 fridge (thanks Craigslist)

I'd like to acquire my neighbor's unit, perform some long-needed updates, and add it to my portfolio as a rental property.

I have a condo in a 50yr old complex, and a few months back my neighbor (one of the original owners in the community) passed away.  It seems as though no one is handling her estate, as both of her vehicles remain on the property and there hasn't been anyone in or out of her unit.  Per tax records, there are no liens on the property.

I currently rent my unit, and would like to pick up more units in the complex for a couple reasons.  First, there is a father/son team that has purchased a few units, ignored repairs/improvements, and rented them as-is to sub-optimal renters.  Getting this unit for myself is both self-motivated and in the best interests of the community as I would like to improve it and drive up our community value.

Where do I start?

Hi, new guy here. Investor owns three duplexes, each containing two 2/1 units renting at $500 per unit on a month-to-month. It's close to a university so there's good potential to get long-term renters in if the units are competitive with other student housing options (most students are paying $300-350 per bedroom in this market.) Units were all purchased in 2004 at $95k each. They're listed at $75k each now, and have been on the market for eight months. They're all in need of a good amount of finishing work at least, but the full extent of repairs are hard determine as there are no interior pictures listed. The listing agent says he's looking to sell them together. Looking through tax records, the owner is local to the market, and owns two other properties around town. As I mentioned, I'm new to this, but I have a feeling he may be looking to just get free of these units. It seems as though he bought high, and is looking to sell at a price point equal to would be owed on each principle per a 20% down, 30yr fixed amortization schedule. We're supposed to meet next week at the properties to discuss. Any advice on how to approach this/questions to ask? I've never utilized "subject to" financing, but I do understand it in concept.

I should add that it's advertised as a Fannie Mae Home Path property; I'm not sure whether or not that impacts me as I am not a first time homebuyer.

I'm evaluating some properties  for buy-and-hold in a lower entry point area and came across what I believe is an abandoned home. How does this affect the purchase, and is this something I can take advantage of in getting into the property at a more advantageous price?

As a point of reference, here is the county record page:

https://qpublic.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=663&LayerID=15076&PageTypeID=4&PageID=6801&Q=401111450&KeyValue=V07%200050001