All Forum Posts by: Mark Hu

Also I would prefer not to rent to gang members :(

Thank you Jon, your info is very helpful.
As for my statement that they are all illegal, that is an assumption. I do not know the exact truth of what is going on. But I would think if one bought a place there, one should be prepared for the worst case scenario.

I have been looking at properties in a largely hispanic apartment area. I'm curious how would the landlords here screen their tenants? Since most of the tenants here are illegal immigrants they probably have no credit, no public records at all. What gives?

I've been searching for a real estate agent to help me find a duplex or triplex for sale. I would like a buyers agent, and one who has at least been involved some transactions with residential income property.
How can I search the internet for these requirements? For example, I was wondering if on trulia or zillow one could find out what agents were involved in recent sales of duplexes or triplexes.

Thanks

My interest is mostly educational. I was thinking about investing a few thousand in a REIT, get shareholder info, watch how the BIG BOYS manage rentals.
I never did invest, I dislike investing even a small amount when the market has gone up so much already.

I've read that when you pay above your normal mortgage payment each month, the extra amount is deducted directly from principal. Is this true, and do all lending institutions follow this?

I am looking at two REITs in SO CA, and I've noticed their price/earnings ratio is rather high. One is BRE, the ratio is 42.94, and the other is essex, their ratio is 69.33. I understand that a more typical ratio would be 10-17.
I don't think REITs have rapid earnings growth potential, and after the recession I doubt this is a bubble. So why are these price/earnings ratios so high? Is this typical of REITs?

What is section L. ?

I've been reviewing the final settlement statement from our home purchase, and I cannot find the commissions for the real estate agents on there. Should they be there, or not?

Thanks

I know REITs are not corporations, but are their shares bought and sold like normal stocks? Also does anyone here know if any REITs in Southern California that specialize in apartments?