All Forum Posts by: Dominique Pradel-Lewis

@Jeff Feldman definitely understand you. Was tricked yesterday to attend a Renatus meeting because it was worded as an investor group meeting for my area. Fell immediately an uneasy feeling of pyramid/referral recruiting. After a long drawn out speech from someone who travels Fla to NY just to do the weekly meeting, was told I needed to pay $2k, $8k or $20k (option: finance, charge or even borrow from 401k to pay for it). Not for me, I can't imagine spending that kind of money up front when there is so much educational info free for the asking. Between my local REIA and biggerpockets alone I have learned and networked exponentially in 2 months alone.

Please do not preach to me the benefits I am not interested: just sharing my feelings.

 @Ellis Hammond  to answer your question about leverage.  I purchased a Honda Accord for $5200 cash in 2002 drove it for 11yrs then was totaled @197k w/some transmission issues and received $1800 back.  Also saved on insurance cost by having liability and putting aside the difference for the next car. I prefer purchasing from private sellers: job transfer, growing family, got company car, stuck with a car they no longer  use.  Luxury cars are easily obtained using this principle.  My current car, BMW 328xiDrive was purchased 4 yrs old with low mileage and 9 months of full warranty left for $14.3k 4yrs ago.  Most people thought it was new, still look and drive great.    I like the freedom from car payments and the negotiating leverage that comes from telling the seller that you can give them same day cash.

 My dad always told me "let someone else do the high depreciation for you".  If you have a company car that's different.  On a business lease, even if you write it off you are still spending the money, just not paying tax on it.  Let say you pay $500 lease = 12k/yr. You don't pay taxes on the 12k earned but that money is still coming out of your income; multiply that by the amount of years you choose to lease.  I don't know about you but it doesn't add up to a better deal for me.  Even if I won lotto I won't be buying or leasing a new car!  

I am doing great! 😃 @Jeremy Mason. 

Maybe I am missing something here.  If you've had the same tenants for $13 years why is it even a question on whether or not to paint? Have you visited the place recently?  Do you do regular upkeep?  As @John Underwood said buy/credit them neutral paint I bet they will be more than happy to do it.

Hi @Jeremy Mason welcome!  You've come to the right place.

I have bought all my cars.  From 18months to 5 yrs old.   Most of them were all cash.

I understand and I rather be upfront about it.  I was told by a management company that I have 2 options: paying 3 months extra or pay until they find someone else.  I am comfortable with either options.  Thanks

@Jim K. finding a replacement renter would of course be subject to the landlord screening.  Hefty security? How many x the rent? Would I get any of it back?

Are there any rentals in Pittsburgh not requiring a lease?  I am not sure how long it will take me to find a house but I would rather rent month to month than commit to a year lease.  What are the penalties? Can I just find someone to take over the lease?