All Forum Posts by: Daniel Ditto

Thanks Dawn!

Thanks for the rules, thoughts and the welcome JD!

Thanks Adam and Russel. To be clear I was not complaining about posts I've seen just remember seeing some phone numbers listed so I thought maybe you could advertise or do that if you buy in to a higher membership or something.

Very excited about participating here.

Hey All,

Posted for the first time on a thread yesterday but this is the first new topic I've started and not just responded to. I've been buying rentals since 2013 mostly in low income areas in St Louis and they have preformed incredibly well under the management there but the more I get into long-term real estate rentals the more questions I seem to have. I guess I am realizing how much I don't know. That has led me here. I signed up for Bigger Pockets about 6 months ago but only just started taping into the knowledge here so I'll suspend my real estate, loan, titling, location and rental questions for later posts and just ask a few questions about Bigger Pockets.

First, when I posted yesterday I had to sign off that I would not do certain things with my post. No advertising/promoting and no phone # stood out because I remember reading some posts in the past and seeing phone numbers and lenders telling people to reach out. This was done as it related to the question and not just simple promotion but I'm still confused on how that is allowed given what I read. Have the rules changed and it is no longer allowed? Not interested in promoting myself but I'm just generally confused by this.

Second, for those on here who are actually renting investment properties you own and purchasing more, what are the best features of bigger pockets. What do you actually use? Seems like I see posts on here about using the BRRRR tool but most of the posts seem to be people new to real estate who have yet to purchase their first few. Is this and other similar tools a tool experienced users are using? It looks pretty cool.

Lastly, what are the no nos for using this site in your opinion? Things not to ask or say in posts, tools and features that really are not worth using based on your experience, etc. Like any site I'm sure they want me to feel like everything is important but I suspect user experience has proven somethings less worthwhile than others. 

I know these questions potentially present a lot so feel free to only comment on part.

First post and totally new here. Certainly not as experienced as most of you but I'm not brand new to rentals and own several. I'm not in the FL market but I routinely purchase properties at a cost of below $40000 total, including rehab in the Midwest. Of course they are in lower income areas and have higher turnover and expenses but after they pass inspection and section 8 inspection they are cash cows. Value on the property has also gone up 3-7% each year since purchase as well. Admittedly if I didn't have a great property manager I wouldn't touch them for the hassle. The rehabs are as basic as the minimum inspection requirements demand so costs are pretty low on the front. The tenants are demanding, damaging and unorganized but motivated to keep their Section 8 status by meeting necessary requirements.

I'll acknowledge that I am always looking to diversify outside of low income areas because I am aware of some of the challenges but I'm a firm believer that you can make consistently cash flowing deals for less than $50000. Just wanted to point that out. Again, can't speak to FL though.