All Forum Posts by: Kevin Izquierdo

I read an article claiming that the Kitchen and Bathrooms on rentals should be the two places that should really grab your potential tenants attention. I would like some advice or misconceptions on this, if youve heard this or believe it. Like, whats the best color to use, or one piece standup showers vs bathtubs, or colored tiles, appliances, cabinets. If you have a streamlined system or a formula that always yields good results, would you mind sharing it with a beginner investor?

@Max Dworin @James Miller @Russell Brazil that was actually one of the things that I wasn't too sure of and wanted to know if I did correctly or not. I'm new to REI and deal analysis so some number were guesses. I went pretty high in repair costs and property management, I think. I'm a carpenter so I can do (and want to do) the interior repairs like the bathroom and kitchens renovations so I'd be paying for material costs only. I also guessed on the Insurance and Management costs.

@Brent Coombs I dont quite understand myself either, so I just left it there. but this is exactly what I wanted, question for me so I can research the answer.

@James Leake Awesome! I left it at 160k because I wasnt sure what the ARV would be. I dont know how to calculate that, but at least I have some homework now! thank you

https://www.biggerpockets.com/calculators/shared/3...

Id like to know if the BP community can help me identify if this is a good investment or not Or point out some discrepancies in my analysis.

My goal is cash flow, but will settle for tenants covering the payments.

I agree with @Luis M. Frias, Work History might be an obstacle for you at the moment. You can look into the possibility of a co signer (maybe your parents, a family member, but be careful with those partnerships!). Or, if you have the time, you can volunteer your time with a local real estate group or business. This way, youll be learning firsthand (if youre attentive) and best of all (sometimes more important) youll be making connections and new relationships with potential partners, sellers, agents, investors, etc..

Hope this helps and best of luck! 

Remember that obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the prize! (heard it in a podcast :))

Thanks for the info @Marcia Maynard, seems like whatever investors decide to put in a bathroom or home for that matter, tenants always find a way to damage things. 

@William Robison Im right there with you. When I was a handyman for an apartment complex, every time there was a turn over, the bathroom was the first thing on the list. Remove and regrout, clean the mold, and replace broken tiles. 

Thank you for the advice!

Ive seen on a BP thread that one Landlord preferred those one piece showers over the traditional tile and grout showers because of the maintenance. No grout to remove and regrout when it get moldy when tenants dont clean and maintain. Ive seen really luxurious one pieces and manufacturers claim it to be very easy to maintain and resistant to mold. Whats your opinion BP? Any input is appreciated :)

@Marrio Barnesi think thats why im leaning more towards the LLL, because its expandable :) thank you

@Linval T. awesome! I keeping hearing nothing but good things about the LLL. 

I think ive decided :) thank you!

Im planning on house hacking and being an owner occupied in a duplex. Should I get Landlord locks or an electronic lock (the ones with the keypad on them).
The benefit of using the electronic lock is that itll do away with keys, but Im not entirely sure if the price justifies me purchasing it for my rental where I can just buy the LLL that Ive seen various other BPers give very good reviews and theyll work just fine.
need some input.

Originally posted by @Steve Babiak:

Originally posted by Jean K.:

...

Finally, I plan on setting up a small three ring binder, with some basic instructions in it for the tenants, and with Very Important Numbers, such as the electrician and plumbers I use, so a tenant can call them directly in emergency. (Pre-arrange with plumbers, electricians for terms, conditions.) Other LLs in my area say they do this, and it saves water damage and gives them peace of mind that issues that could cause damage can get immediate attention. And I plan on doing at least quarterly inspections, but monthly inspections for the tenants' first three months, when they have the most questions. This should set them up with the idea that I take care of things, and expect them to do the same.

...

There is a thread for that too:

http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/74998-tenant-emergency-procedures

 Its like you have a thread for everything! i love this! thank you :)

Maybe the tread underneath the welcome mat was too rough for the vinyl planks. Weird how its just in that one particular spot though. Did you ever figure out what it was?