All Forum Posts by: Derek Caffe

In most cases no. I both live in Cobb County and own two properties where I lived in a unit while renting out another unit. One property being a duplex and the other being two houses on one lot. The law is very clear that the FHA generally isn't applicable when a building has two to four units, and the owner lives in one of them. It typically puts the peace and enjoyment of the homeowner above those of a prospective tenant. The law becomes less clear when you also more than X homes or have a real estate license. However, you still can't be discriminatory in advertising.

I'm an investor and real estate agent who invests primarily in the Cobb County area. I started out purchasing a duplex with a tenant on one side and living in the other. Since housing is typically one of the largest household expenses it allows you to both reduce your largest expense and increase income. I'd suggest starting there if you don't own your primary home. But the best strategy is based on your specific goals, which an investor agent can help you solidify the best step forward. I'd be glad to discuss representing you and your girlfriend in the acquisition of your first investment property. If interested let me know and we can set up a phone consultation.

ADU's are allowed in most of the city limits of Atlanta due to new zoning passed in the beginning of 2019. It was expanded to homes with an R4 and R4-A zoning designation, which I believe covers approximately 60% of ATL's housing stock. Most of Fulton County is incorporated except for a small slither along Fulton Industrial Blvd. which was still unincorporated and therefore still under the control of Fulton County zoning. All other incorporated areas are under the zoning jurisdiction of their respective cities, which I am unfamiliar with.

With regards to Cobb County for an ADU to be legal it has to meet setback requirements and be connected by a heated/cooled breezeway that's no longer than 25 ft. from the primary structure (main house) dependent on zoning designation such as R-20, R-30, RA-5, etc. As with Fulton County, you'd have to look up each individual incorporated cities zoning laws in Cobb County to see if "habitable accessory structures" are allowed. I know it is not permitted with the City of Austell's current zoning. 

@Jay Ragland, I'll keep that in mind. I own a construction company and do most work myself outside of plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, and flooring because I've found some great subs. There might be some opportunities for us to work together in the future. Message me your contact info.

@Jay Ragland, yep, I'm doing a full rental rehab on both homes. I'm assuming you asked to offer contracting services? If so, what contracting services do you offer?

Small world. George told me someone was under contract to purchase his property and was supposed to close this coming week. I closed on the two vacant houses from the previous owner about two weeks ago so that information was probably correct at the time. I also own another two houses on the street over from the two vacant homes. I told George to put me in contact with whoever purchased his property, but BiggerPockets may have taken care of that for me.

Hey Anthony, random question, but is the seller of the property a guy by the name of George in the downtown area? If so, I own the two properties next to it. Not that many multi properties in the area so I am familiar with most of the inventory and owners. Anyway, hope everything goes well for you.

Ayo Sabo - Country Financial Insurance

Yes, @Tiesha M., I closed on my rental with LendingOne. I also recommended them to a client of mine who was having issues with a traditional bank and he closed with them on a rental property. As far as experience, as mentioned by others, it was a bit rough. This had to do with lack of communication between Lender and borrower. However, because of my first experience I was able to get my client's loan closed with no issues with LendingOne. I do plan to use them again.

It starts and ends with the lease. To answer your specific questions:

1. No, you most likely can't just kick them out yourself without going through eviction proceedings
2. This question goes back to what your original lease says. But if you'd like to add them as additional tenants and the lease hasn't expired, an amendment to the original lease should be fine.
3. Police can't do anything without eviction paperwork most likely, so you'll most likely have to go through eviction proceedings. 

The specifics of what you can and can't do are both lease specific and state law specific. My advise is general, but should give you somewhat of a starting point. Hope this helps.