All Forum Posts by: Michele Fischer

Welcome to Bigger Pockets Jay! I jumped into the forums and am now trying to carve out more time for the podcasts and blogs. I'm not in tri-cities, but am in Washington, also do buy and hold, and also have a full time job.

Sterling, welcome to Bigger Pockets! I am working on writing my low income landlording experiences, but not sure how much to leave out to protect the not-so-innocent. LOL! Tenants certainly don't see how their pets are limiting their housing options, especially with pit bulls.

Welcome Zach! I'm in Washington too, my grandparents are up near you in Mountlake Terrace.
I think living in a rental multi would be very interesting, but then, I'm in the low income market, so concerned about getting enough sleep and keeping any belongs in the 'hood, LOL! I seriously have thought about doing it though, seems solid and a great way to keep tabs on those tenants. So much easier to build a case for abandonment... oh wait, hopefully you won't have that issue!

Welcome Brian! I am also in Washington state, and am also holding a full time "regular job" by day.

Down in Longview, our WSG bills vary very little by actual water usage. Most of it is flat rate. Our WSG bills are normally $120/month for the low income addresses, regardless of whether one person or 6 live in the unit. I can see usage metered where there are split meters (I have both), and units with washer dryers use more water, not so much body count. I add it to rent, let them know that the rate could increase if they are heavy water users (they don't know it doesn't) and give them paperwork on using water wisely, and just monitor it in a spreadsheet to make sure I am close to break even. They like not having the additional utility deposits. If they qualify for reduced rates, I let them put it in their name, but often get burned on unpaid WSG bills. I would raise it or lower it if is was significant, probably blaming it on rates rather than their usage. If any of that helps...

Welcome Ratho. I'm up in Longview, in SW Washington. Not sure what you'll find for free other than this group, although our library sometimes brings in lawyers to review tenant-landlord law town meeting style free. Spending a little money for information and networking can be worth it, depending on your goals.

Jeff S., we have had an issue with a prostitute (always a different guy there when she paid cash rent, hmmm...), have had some DV incidents at our places, and a neighboring unit drug dealing, but my husband and I work closely with the police. They have a landlord program, have trained us on warning signs to watch for and ways to engineer units to be less crime friendly. Low income landlording is more labor intensive, but for the most part it is built in entertainment.

Welcome Matt! I'm one of the folks with cheap crapholes a few hours south on I-5, haha.

Welcome Dave! I'm in southwest Washington. I focus on landlording, haven't dabbled in flipping, good luck!

Welcome Andy! I'm also in Washington, but down closer to Portland. I have only had two offers not accepted, bet that is really frustrating! Keep trying...