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All Forum Posts by: James Landsford

James Landsford has started 5 posts and replied 6 times.

Quote from @Chris Wilson:

You are talking about 22$ an hour per individual for an 8 hour day plus whatever equipment costs they need to cover. In addition to that they are having to pick up and deliver the materials. 

Another way to look at it is that it would cost less than 3$ a foot ( for 120' ) Why only 3' feet deep? How long a stretch does it run to provide proper slope to drain the water effectively? Have they ever done this kind of work before?

I am not qualified to say how it should be done. I just know that when we had french drains installed around the house foundation and redid all the drainage systems in the yard they were 4' deep and they made sure that the slope was sufficient for the task. We had two others installed later to divert water from coming downslope into our yard to protect a drain in front of the garage. The soil here was clay so the digging even with excavators where they could use one was challenging. 

I most definitely 2nd getting the utilities mapped first before digging.  


I am using rough numbers on the depth but around an average of 3 feet. No equipment was needed. I average 2 guys at around $25 an hour. Seemed reasonable - but was not sure if $250 would have been more realistic.

I need to install an L-shape French drain that I would say needs to be around 3 feet or so deep. The total linear feet would be around 120’. I was quoted by a 2-man team around $350 for labor as it would take them around a day to finish if they pick up materials (I am paying for materials).

Is this a reasonable cost for this type of job?

I have a few rentals on the lower end of the spectrum that to me, have more of a liability issue. Right now, they are under my main LLC with a lot of my more high end property. Would it be worth it to create a new LLC and quitclaim the Lee lower end properties to it? Or would that be a futile task? On paper it makes sense but I would be curious if anyone with more experience on this subject matter has an opinion.

thanks!!!!

I have a few rentals on the lower end of the spectrum that to me, have more of a liability issue. Right now, they are under my main LLC with a lot of my more high end property. Would it be worth it to create a new LLC and quitclaim the Lee lower end properties to it? Or would that be a futile task? On paper it makes sense but I would be curious if anyone with more experience on this subject matter has an opinion.

thanks!!!!


I am new the forum but have used BP for years. I currently own around 30 rentals, all free and clear, in the Houston area. In the past year and a half, I have grown increasingly tired of the in and outs of land lording and am having a harder and harder time dealing with tenants and finding decent labor. I had an investment group reach out to me and over the past few months we have gone back and forth regarding a potential owner finance deal for my 30 unit package. The group has the 10% down I am asking, is willing to pay 9.99% fixed IR and pay 90% of the appraised values per home. I am highly tempted to explore this deal as it would allow me to have a solid monthly income, remove me from the ‘game’ and the internet seems very attractive.

I have already spoken to an attorney who will draft the contract, note etc. and serve as the trustee. 

Is there any downside to this type of a deal for a seller? I am 42 and am at the point where I am really losing interest in the business.Thanks!



I have a handful of condominiums that I purchased in 2014 that are run by an HOA. The HOA rules and covenants were put in place in the 1960's.

the board just passed a new rule where they have decided that owners occupants can have pets but owners who decide to rent units are no longer allowed to rent to tenants with ANY type of pet.

This appears to be discriminatory and alters the investment value of my property. I would like to know if anyone else has ever encountered a similar issue?