All Forum Posts by: Javier Marchena

Hi Jason, welcome to BP.

You will find tons of free information on this website as well as experience people willing to help you starting up on this business.

Read as much as you can and learn from other's ppl experience on the forums.

I guess it only depends on your situation. I am still too small and not ready to get into the apartment business, I think?

I do make a good use of my license to find my deals and analyze properties. Commission is also another benefit I get when I buy properties.

I have a Tacoma long bed. Fits all the appliances I need to move on my rentals and HD supplies. Engine is not too big (4.0), but strong enough to move all my stuff.

Paid cash for it. Also consider it as a tool.

Thank you for sharing! 

Congratulations on your deal!!! good job.... 

I would just paint the garage and basement floors. No carpet on the basement (humidity will ruin it for you or the future buyer).

Look for a good Epoxy Paint. It is cheaper than carpet and labor should be cheaper too.

Save yourself a headache and review your screening criteria.

I could rent to somebody with bad credit (read the complete credit history, not just the number). Some ppl made a poor financial decision and short sold their houses or went into foreclosure.

Criminal history for possession sorry, that is a NO.

I like to have a good relationship with the neighbors of all my rentals if I can. They keep an eye on the house for me and tell me what is going on in the neighborhood. They wont like it if I rent the house to a drug dealer, even if I get all the money upfront. 

I would use prefab for your student housing. 

If you are going to expect kid, yes do tub, but if it is only students, go with prefab.

I will try to install tile in all of my rentals if I can. It save me a lot of money in the long run.

I will add: 

"Don't send me a deal that when I look on the MLS it shows still ACT, and when I call the RE Agent, they have no offers, and I can get a contract without your mark up."

It happened to me a year ago. Got a email from a WS for a duplex at 192K, called the WS and he did not call back for a few hours. Doing my research saw the listing still active at 185K, so I schedule a visit, saw the place and put an offer for 182K. Got it at that price without the WS, and got the commission check!