All Forum Posts by: David Lyons

Thanks @Brad Hammond for your thoughts. They ended up going with someone else on that deal, so it's out of our hands. May be for the best, but we'll keep your advice in mind if anything like this happens on future purchases.

Hi all,

My wife and I are buying a duplex in San Diego and house hacking. The place needs a new roof and electrical upgrades, and we're thinking of bundling that all into a solar upgrade at the same time. This will be a house hack where we rent out the other unit, but then eventually will move on and rent out both units.

So, I have a few questions for the expert investors and landlords out there:

1. Since we need to replace the roof anyways, we're thinking of doing solar shingles instead of doing the roof and putting panels on top. Does anyone have experience doing solar shingles when replacing the roof? Does it make financial sense over a traditional roof + panels? Any special considerations with the solar shingles?
2. We will have the solar tied into the panel for our unit. However, when we move out, I want to make sure the financial payback is still valuable. What do you think the best way to get pay back on the solar investment is when renting out that unit? Increase rent and advertise the solar as a benefit to reduce tenant's expenses? Or say utilities are included, with a monthly cap (say $50 or less) above which the tenant would pay the difference? Any other creative ideas?

We are passionate about getting solar, but also want it to be a good financial choice. I figure we're not the only ones who have thought of doing this, so any wisdom from you all is greatly appreciated!

- Dave

Hi all,

I am in the process of buying a duplex in San Diego. It needs a roof replacement, electrical work, potential addition of mini-split AC units, and windows are OK but could use update.

I understand there is the 26% federal tax credit for solar installations. However, I have a few additional questions that I'm unclear on, and hoping someone here at BP has been through this and shed some light!

1. 
   What all can be included in the tax credit? I understand the solar panels and installation costs, as well as the costs to bring electrical panel up to allow solar. However, I have heard that other energy efficiency improvements can be bundled as well, potentially including HVAC and windows. Does anyone know if these are included?
2. Could the roof replacement be included?
3. Is anyone aware of other financial incentives in the state of CA for these categories of work? They are all involved with improving energy efficiency, and I figured CA would be all over incentivising this type of investment, but I have not seen that much actually out there...

I appreciate any knowledge you all can share!

- Dave

Hi all,

I'm looking for some good recommendations on the following vendors to get quotes/inspections. Can anyone recommend people that work near University Heights?

• Structural Engineer
• Electrician
• Plumber
• Roof inspector
• Solar installer (looking for someone to bid on combined scope of work with solar, electrical upgrades, potentially HVAC and roof)

Any recommendations are greatly appreciated!

Yesterday I accepted an offer on a duplex. I found out that under the kitchen sink,  there is water damage that extends to the middle of the kitchen (possibly a 4x4 area) in one of the units (the one I plan on living in). The current tenants are moving out and the owner is currently working with an insurance company. There was not anything disclosed in writing when purchasing. The closing process will begin this week. It is a 21 day close. The relator for the selling house said this will be discussed in the closing process. Besides the water damage, the kitchen is fair and could use some basic remodeling.

I am nervous about the logistics. ie: the insurance company drops the case because the owner is selling, the current seller keeps the money, the insurance company under values the real damage and the problem is bigger than anticipated.

Dose anyone have any advice on this?

Good to hear, and thanks for the insight @Brad Hammond

@Brad Hammond got it, that is good to hear. Have your clients ever had any issues enforcing the notice after transferring ownership

Hi all,

As I mention in a previous post (https://www.biggerpockets.com/...) my wife and I are looking to buy a house hack.

I have a question specific to notice to vacate. Let's say I'm under contract on a triplex with all unit full, but one is month-month and I plan to move into that unit. Close of escrow is 30 days. The seller gives the tenant 60 days notice to vacate during escrow period, but we close and transfer ownership in only 30 days. Is the notice to vacate still valid, or would I have to send them a new notice? My understanding is that leases run with the property, not the owner, so I would think the original notice should suffice. But curious if anyone has dealt with this and knows the answer.

Thanks!

David Lyons

@Twana Rasoul yes, I'd be interested in hearing more about the ways in which people have gone about it. I'll DM you.

@Dustin Allen thanks for the detailed response. It seems like investors and realtors are still figuring out how to navigate this new law, and the implications for selling investment properties. I will push on the sellers to vacate 1 unit at a minimum