All Forum Posts by: Brandon Krieg

@Drew Denham,

I love the 'survivability' of durable laminate 'hardwood' and tough tile.  But, it depends on how much maintenance you want to do vs. initial cost.  The cost will be higher to install the laminate and tile, but you likely won't have to worry about it for a longer time.  

Also, if you're working with multiple units and buy the same laminate/tile for each unit, replacement will be easier once you've standardized your setup.  So then you have a double-whammy... long-lasting stuff that is easy to replace.

It's hard to get a lot of years out of lower-end carpet, in my opinion.  As a result, you either pay for better carpet or laminate, which can end up costing about the same.  Or, you just have to replace more frequently... it comes down to preference in my book.  (:

Hi @Jerry Westhoff

This is an interesting thing for me, and has been since I moved to West Michigan a couple of years ago.  Generally, the crime rates are pretty low, and the 'rough parts' of Grand Rapids are not as 'rough' as in many other cities.

However, relatively speaking, it has more crime than most surrounding areas.  I think the area has potential to grow in the coming years, but it might be many years before it gets where you want it to be.  Good luck!

Hi @Josiah Swartz - I will very likely be out of town, but there's a small chance I might make it.  Thanks for spearheading the effort!

Life is pretty great, isn't it?  I know I get really caught up in details, deals, etcetera, and need to take some time to relax occasionally.

Thanks for the nice reminder.  I had a great weekend as well. (:

Hi @Ken Riddle and @Benjamin McClellan - welcome!  Make sure to set your keywords to Grand Rapids, Michigan, etcetera so you get updates on who is posting to the forums.  Also, you'll start to get a feel for who the BP folks are in the area.

You should also check out the RPOA and West Michigan REI Club in Grand Rapids - you'll meet a lot of great people working with those groups.

Welcome, and it's great to have you!

Hi @Steve Wilmers- I've also heard that Williams is a good place to go.  Never used them, but @Jake Thomas's look good!

@Bobby Jobs - For the most basic systems, I recommend Excel or Google Docs - they will provide basics for keeping things straight in your mind.   Make sure to include columns for the last time you talked to them, when you will talk to them next, and what you have already discussed.

If you're looking for a little more advanced system, set something up on Podio - it's free for up to 5 users, and you can really customize it to your goals.

If you have any more questions, you can always shoot me a message.  (:

I agree with @Kyle Gregg - talk to the pros.

Also, J Scott's book on estimating rehab costs is a good place to start for ballpark figures, as well as the resources Al provided.

Good luck!

Hi @Ryan O. - Welcome!  Ann Arbor is great, and I called it home for many years.  If you're willing to drive a bit, you should also check out the Renegade Detroit Investors in Berkley, the MREI in Troy, and the group out of Canton run by Ali Shebley.  All good groups.

Read BiggerPockets a lot, and get on the forums - huge help, especially when you're learning.

The BP books by J Scott are great, as are the books from the 'Millionaire Real Estate...' series by Gary Keller - there's one of Flipping, Holding, Being a Real Estate Agent, and the main book.

For mindset, 'Think and Grow Rich' by Napoleon Hill, Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Power of Positive Thinking, and The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews.  All great reads.

That should keep you busy for a month or two (;

@Engelo Rumora- Wheels already in motion, eh? (;