All Forum Posts by: James Maradits

I regularly get multiple identical post cards (from different "buyers") at one.  IE there are 3-5 people hiring the same direct mailing company to do their postcards and I receive all of them at the same time, and they all go in the trash at the same time.

I don't mind the direct mail so much, but the ringless voicemails and cold calls from VA's really annoy me. Ironically enough the few times I've been in the mood to entertain these, they almost never even follow through with an offer or anything.

The 2-4 unit space, particularly in sought after areas like Lakewood, is really tough to crack into right now. Low inventory, low interest rates, and growing demand are driving up prices and often times investors are competing against owner occupant buyers in these areas who are willing to pay more because they aren't solely focused on ROI numbers.

It will depend if the PM requires you to bring your license over.  Not familiar with your state laws surrounding this, but in Ohio it's not much trouble to move your license from one broker to another.

Look for a job in a property management office now that you have a license!  I did this when I was first getting started and treated it as a "work to learn, not work to earn" situation (the pay wasn't very good), but I learned some invaluable experience in property management, leasing, evictions, etc.  I probably gained more experience in the year or so that I did this, managing hundreds of properties than most investors will gain in a lifetime of self management.  Plus this is probably one of the best ways to build a reputation with investors who you may be able to help with acquisitions.

I'll happily pay $10 to not have to deal with Facebook or Craiglist tire kickers.  Last month I listed a unit on Facebook and Zillow.  I got literally over 100 "Is this still available" messages on Facebook, probably 90% of which never responded to my response.  I received 8 or 9 qualified applications from Zillow in the first day on market with minimal back and forth.  Zillow's built in application and screening features are super helpful and allow the tenant to pay a one time fee that they can use for 30 days on any property on the site, which I believe tends to inspire them to utilize the feature rather than paying the fee for multiple properties like they would be doing elsewhere.

Hey James, another James from Cleveland here! (haha) 

Feel free to shoot me a message with anything I may be able to help with.  I went to Hondros for my license a few years back and would be happy to share my experience.  What's your strategy for your first deal?

Best of luck!

Good opportunity for the DIY crowd or someone just starting out that's strapped for cash!

I'll just say that they are not my favorite organization to deal with...  Luckily once an account is set up there shouldn't be too much further interaction for the most part.

 Happy to help.  I just realized I wasn't super clear on my budgeting.  I meant to say I estimate $75 per unit for water at sewer (so $150 on a duplex, $225 triplex, etc) as a generally conservative number.

Living the dream!  Congrats.

I often think back to all of the deals I passed on out of fear back in 2014 when I first became interested in real estate.  Many of the properties I had looked at back then have since sold for as much as 4x what they were being offered at in 2014.  Good job on seizing the opportunity.