All Forum Posts by: Elise Bickel Tauber

 Hi Jimmy! Are you just looking around where you live or are you open to other markets? The reason I ask is that I'm sure there are other markets, like Pittsburgh, that are close enough that you could do a quick weekend trip to check in but are more financially advantageous. I have some clients who are brrring out properties and are able to pick up a couple at a time, and refinance in a blanket loan, get out most if not all of the money they put down on the original hard money/rehab loan, rinse and repeat. With Pittsburgh's prices you are looking at around $20-$25k down usually per brrrs (often times less then that). Something to consider. My husband and I invest here and think it's a great market!

HI Prithvi. 

We have had a hard time finding good landscapers at "reasonable" prices recently. I will say that time of year contracting them will be the key. We usually have to contract our annual service in February or March for the year and get much better pricing doing it that way then a one time cut.

Prices for a 1/2-1/3 acre lot were running $55-$85/cut a year or two ago. This year the best price we found for that same size was $85-$105. If you find someone better who is reliable to show up and do it right please share!

Best of luck!

Hi James. Welcome to the Pittsburgh market! Our team works with a lot of out of state and out of country investors and most state that Pittsburgh is one of the best markets they invest in due to the more predictable nature of our market (we don't have the bubbles that many of the larger cities do in regards to housing surges and bursts). You can get a nice mix of appreciation and cash flow in most areas. I agree with @Gary Swank that it is very important to have a solid team in place when working from out of the area. I invest here with my husband and we do also love it!

Thanks Alyssa! I'm here if you need any help!

Thanks Alyssa! 

Rents are softening in Pittsburgh for sure. I think that you can still get similar prices but you have to wait a lot longer in most markets to get them rented. Much pickier renters for sure!

Welcome to the Pittsburgh market!

I've been doing this for 20 years and it seems every election year we see this slow down about 6 months or so before the election. I'm not exactly sure why, but it happens every time. That mixed with inflation does make it a slower market. I think part of the problem is those who are well qualified and can purchase are, with concerns of interest rates going down in the near future (1-2 years) that will inflate home prices even more. Those who don't have as much saved up to purchase or just dont want to spend right now are holding tight. The cost to move is expensive between security deposits, moving costs, etc. A lot of people who don't need to move aren't moving. If you price your rentals at a reasonable price and stay steady with advertising and showings it should go.

Hey Michelle! I highly recommend @Austin Daniel

Hopefully he can help!

We use Matt and Andrew and they have been great! Highly recommend!!