All Forum Posts by: Drew Brown

I am dealing with several vacancies at the moment, but quickly filled in December last year. I am definitely leaning towards a 15 month lease to start to hopefully avoid it in the future.

My Michigan properties might be a bit more challenging because the climate is definitely a factor. I'm hoping this is a rare occurrence.

@Alicia Marks we typically don’t see much difference in cold weather or warm weather. The biggest change is the month of December and individuals meeting the challenges of paying for Christmas and move in deposit and first months rent.

We exceed the competition by having very clean properties that operate as expected. By applying these with quick responses and being attentive we have what seems better than average turn over.

1 Vote

Quote from @Amran Musaid:

I live in California but all of my investment properties are in Michigan and so far the biggest hurdle has been finding a good property manager. I’m on my 5th property manager right now and at this point I’m seriously considering self managing and just installing smart locks and nest thermostats on all my properties that way I don’t need a property manager to pick up or hand out any keys or do I need them to make sure the heat is on when a tenant leaves in the winter. I’d love to get some feedback from all of you long distance landlords out there.

@Amran Musaid how are you screen and selecting your managers/on the ground assistant? I am a property manager in Central MI that is extremely hands on.

As an investor myself I would start off with the inquiry questions and possibly allow 1 unit to be managed. Depending on how that goes maybe increase number of managed units. At the end of the day if the manager isn’t an asset to your team and investment adding value in multiple ways. Would love to chat @Amran Musaid.

0 Votes

In the current market for central michigan it is still fairly easy and quick to fill vacancies. The demand is still higher than supply for good clean rentals.

Yes the winter months do decrease movement because of temps. Also typically December is harder for people to come up with deposit and first months rent because of Christmas. In all, michigans job market is still strong and people are still looking to move up, so have a good clean property is a selling point for investors who are willing to invest.

0 Votes

Detroit, Michigan

Quote from @James Hardie:

Quote from @Scott Mac:

The way I view Michigan in a macro sense is (a Rabbit jumping over a Mitten made up of):

D-Town proper-- Dangerous are with fixup areas inside the border. Lots of Vibe, and lots of old buildings and homes awaiting fixers. But you have to know where to be and where not to be to avoid personal danger.

Metro-Detroit--(outside D-Town Proper) Lots of Pro's in there touting this area, again you need to know the turf.

Eastern Michigan--above Metro Detroit. Up to Bay City. Not so hot due to not so many jobs coming in as western Mich.

Includes Flint (Crime), home of the Lead in the water issue, and Saginaw (less crime than Flint).

Central Michigan--around the Capital. It's the State Capital and a HUGE College.

Western Michigan--Has been the hot area for a while, but turns into "The Stix" above and below it. You need to know the turf.

Northern Michigan--Deer hunting, fishing, ducks. It's a water, winter wonderland, a sportsman's dream. Above Western and Eastern Michigan to Mackinac and the BIG Bridge.

The U.P.--So beautiful, waterfalls, tourist areas, and psudo Wisconsin.

And inside each of these areas will be cities and towns and within them will be NEIGHBORHOODS, class A, B C and D.

Knowing which neighborhoods are good for investing is a helpful thing.

Good Luck!

In case you have never heard of these guys: https://www.jameshardie.com/?loc=refresh

Appreciate the feedback not so looking into D-Town and Eastern Michigan as a start by what you have to say and working in those areas but looking someone in central or western like you said may be something I'le look into. I've lived in Brighton my whole life north of Ann Arbor and all the areas around are nice. Finding opportunities not too far though from hometown but may be a risk I'le have to consider

Lansing and central michigan is a great and still valuable market area. I would be happy to talk about those areas?

0 Votes

Ann Arbor, Michigan

@Antonio Reybol, Jr. the Midwest is a great market. I live and invest in the Midwest and love it for a lot of economic reasons. Keep the focus and find a niche!

1 Vote

New York City, New York

Quote from @Jax Acosta-Rubio:

I am mainly an investor in PA but have been looking at the Kalamazoo, MI market lately.

I'm seeing nice homes that have been on the market for months. Thinking this could be a sign for lack of demand.

Any investors in the area I could talk to real quick?

Hi Jax, not super familiar with the Kalamazoo area but have heard from a few investors that it is a good profitable market. My market of Lansing, MI is a great and still very profitable market. Let me know if if you have any further questions.

0 Votes

Quote from @Lindsey Johnson:

Quote from @Drew Brown:

@Charles Kao what or who would be a good resource for finding deals from say Kalamazoo to traverse city over to midland down to around the Jackson area? This is the area we would like to start pushing into more for our clients. Thank you,

Drew

@Drew Brown is this group still meeting? If so, would you mind sending me the info via DM? I requested a connect with you.

Sir I am pretty niched right now. I like @Landon Allen he has some great leads and prices that make sense.

1 Vote

Hi @Ian Hutton if you would like to talk about Lansing Area property management I would happy to set something up. Happy to provide free advice!

0 Votes

Grand Rapids, Michigan

@Josh Bagley chat with as many brokers and agents in your area to find one that have common interest, moral and core beliefs, and goals so that can work with them to not only make you a better agent but then a bette team!

0 Votes

Grand Rapids, Michigan

@Dan Marr make sure that the numbers work, but also make sure it is in an area that meets your investment strategy. Are you looking for pure cash flow or do you want something that is going to appreciate. Make sure that you look at all the investment variables, and you have questions ask!

0 Votes

All Forum Posts by: Drew Brown

Drew Brown has started 8 posts and replied 159 times.

Post: How do you fill vacancies in winter?

Post: Long distance landlord

Post: Is Winter really a bad time to buy your first rental property?

Post: Opportunities in Michigan

Post: My first investment property - Let's share intel!

Post: Any Investors in Kalamazoo, MI?

Post: Wholesalers in Michigan

Post: Lansing & Kalamazoo PM

Post: hang license- Grand Rapids MI & surrounding areas

Post: First time buyer - Seeking advice