All Forum Posts by: Brian Karlow

Depending on the quality of the building and existing tenant base, it could depend but I seem to be always more comfortable with my criteria in tenant selection...IMO

Great tip!!!  Thank again I really appreciate it!

Brian

Thanks guys!  I definitely believe the source of the issue is a draft within the building that is allowing direct cold air infiltration to this zone.  This is a second floor unit and I believe adding to the issue might be the possibility that the pipe routing contains a concealed pocket ( i.e. floor joist or rim joist area) that has little to no insulation in addition to the draft issue.

Any tips on the best way to trace out the pipe routing without entirely removing a large amount of drywall? 

Brian

With this recent cold snap, we've experienced a frozen pipe in one of the zones in our boiler that serves a 4 unit building we just closed on in August. There is a zone for each apartment. We have been heating the apartment with the frozen with the electric wall sleeve unit that has the function to serve as a dual ac/heat unit but this is a temp solution until the weather warms and the line thaws.

My question is have any of you had your boiler service company add anti freeze type solvent to your boiler units to prevent this issue? 

This is currently a rather inefficient building with single pane windows and drafty doors we intend to replace over the next few years and I'm concerned another record cold snap could trigger the same issue again in the near future.  We struggled to keep temps above 67 in the remaining apartments and I've read adding these types of solvents reduces the boilers heat output.... this would be an issue.

Any advise, experience or feedback would greatly be appreciated...thanks in advance!

Brian

What utilities are Owner paid? Also, I would directly ask the Seller what other repairs or replacements are needed or he would make if he was going to continue to hold the properties. He may not disclose or possibly not truly know but it's worth asking....I always do and almost every time this leads to learning more about the building than before. If you learn to listen, people usually love to talk!

Brian

I like to offer a small concession to a responsible tenant in exchange to keep an eye on the conditions and add salt as needed. This is in addition to my snow removal contract services. 

Just an added layer of protection.

Good luck!

@jackmedford ...great post!  Milwaukee is a market that has also caught my eye over the last few years and seems to offer plenty of opportunity!  I'd love to hear the feedback from the BP community.

Brian

Thanks for sharing the Freddie Mac details Michael M.  Did you go direct to Freddie Mac for this loan?

Michael

This seems inline with my buildings and the usage per unit.  Funny how Owner paid expenses always seem to run higher than Tenant paid items. Good job though keeping an eye on the usage...you will notice if and when those toilets start running!!  I have start converting all my toilets over to the flapperless tank type just for this reason.

Good luck!

Brian

Tantum being one in front of the other per lease. They would need to manage the in and out amongst themselves within the home. This would provide 6 parking spaces total.