All Forum Posts by: Francis A.

Hi,

Has anyone used a SoCal Gate automation installation company to automate a gate that they can recommend? The sliding gate is in place. I need to install a machine to open and close it.

Thanks so much in advance!

Francis

Hi,

Are there any draftsmen in SoCal who offer services that prepares plans (blue print and PRICING MATERIALS down the the last nail) for a space of about 30' x 18'?

As an alternate solution, I considering pricing out a pre designed blue print assuming I can find a reputable source for pre designed expansion blueprints.

Thanks!!

Francis

I'm the landlord. A newbie at that. I wondering what the pros and cons are of adding a separate water meter for the tenant. I'll provide free laundry at my expense so I figured maybe I ask them to pay for their personal water use. And maybe reflect that in the rent?

Hi,

Yet another newbie question here. I will soon be renting a 1 bedroom 1 bath apartment in a duplex I now own.

The duplex currently has 2 separate electric meters and 1 water meter. I just listened to Podcast # 48 and they broached this subject with respect to NJ.

My question to experienced SoCal duplex/multi unit owners - Will the Socal water company install a separate water meter for the second unit and if so is this a matter of a simple phone call to request this?

Thanks in advance for thoughts and sharing of experience on this.

Francis

Ben,

A sense of humor while doing what you love and making a very nice living. I'm all for that. I have already read some of your stuff. I will be in touch.

Thanks so much!!

Francis

Ben the man!

You're on point pal! Thanks for sharing the links. Looks like I also get to have access to you on speed dial in a "limited" advisory role as part of the purchase? If so, this looks better and better.

Question. Tax wise, since these are educational materials, I also get to talk to my accountant about these, yes?

Thanks again!! :-)

Francis

Hi,

I'm a newbie at real estate investing and to this site. Has anyone used the above materials from JUSTASKBENWHY dot com? I've bought a bunch of books recommended here on this site and I am also ploughing though the podcasts.

I'm wondering whether I need to absorb the materials I already have and see if I need to pay the 295 now or later.

Thanks in advance for opinions and thoughts!

Francis

Chris & Ali,

Thanks for your helpful responses!

Chris –

In response to your turnkey/rehab question, I am most definitely looking for turnkey.

Regarding Minneapolis, I found an agent on Redfin who sent me an MLS listing of suggested duplexes etc to look at. I'll be doing that soon. My question to the agent was why one particular duplex had been listed for almost a year. The conversation turned to the condition of the duplex as you mentioned. This is how the MLS listing of duplexes in better condition came about. Since I'm looking to buy in 12 plus months, I have some time to do due diligence. The agent also told me about duplexes in south Minneapolis so you're looking in the right places to invest.

I have family in Minneapolis which is why I looked to that city in the first place. They would be the folks on the ground to manage the property should I ever go the Minneapolis route.

That being said, my first preference would be right here in Los Angeles where I suspect the value of my real estate might have a better" head room" than real estate in my "pay grade range" in Minneapolis.

Ali –

Thanks for the thumbs up with regards to what I suspect might work.

The biggest question I have been juggling is whether to focus on LA which I would actually prefer IF the cost of entry makes sense once the numbers are crunched.

To this end, I attended my first foreclosure meetup seminar last night and came away with some great pointers that are SoCal focused. I’m thinking that this might be the route to go to make the numbers work in Los Angeles.

Regarding rent. A base of at least $1300 rent is exactly what I’m after. The 3/1 duplex I am about to live in will at least get 1700-2000 for the 3 (if I add storage for rent on the premises) and $900 for the 1.

The million dollar question is how to hit the reset button and grab a tri or four plex where the numbers work.

After my foreclosures meetup last night, my haunch is I should shoot for tris and 4-plexes where the owners are desperate to get out of their mortgage commitments. As you can see, I’m still formulating my plan of attack until I can get my brain wrapped around the numbers and then map out the formula to any building I decide to evaluate.

Hopefully, I’ll be able to own in Venice [when I’ve eaten my Wheaties and grown up].

Great stuff and thank you BOTH for sharing! It’s much appreciated.

:-))

To: David Ganney,

You’re a rock star, sir! The info you’ve shared is stuff I’d been trying to glean off the internet before I stumbled upon this site. Awesome stuff!!

To: Ralph Soles

Thanks for your well wishes! It so happens that I am going to my first foreclosure seminar today. Maybe we can chat sometime.

To: Colleen F.

Thanks for the pointers. I was actually leaning towards not installing skylights if they didn’t add value. Maybe it’s the penny-pinching ambitions in me. But we’ll definitely get bids and go for it. Thanks for the thumbs up!

To: John Pearson

Thanks for the recommendation. I picked up a few skylight manuals but hadn’t heard of this brand. I will look into this model.

Thanks so much again and blessings to all!

:-)

Francis

Hi all!

Newbie here. You all have built a wonderful home away from home here in Biggerpockets!! Bravo!

I have a question regarding skylights. I live in Southern California and about to live in a self owned duplex. We'll be occupying the larger apartment in the duplex. The smaller apartment will be tenant occupied.

We are seriously thinking of installing two skylights, (1) in our kitchen and a smaller one in our master bathroom both of which happen to be on the same side of the building.

This is purely for the visual (added natural light) enhancement of our (owners) living quarters.

In terms of real estate appreciation, what do skylights realistically add in appraised value to the duplex?

Does the psychological aspect of having a wonderfully lit kitchen and bathroom influence the bank's appraiser when that time comes to see how much the duplex has appreciated?

Or would this be in effect pouring money down the drain regardless of how much enjoyment that added natural light brings?

Thanks in advance!

Francis