All Forum Posts by: Jason A.

In PA the constable usually calls me first to see if his services are still needed. I typically go in and take a few pics and change the locks if the tenant has already left. I also let the neighbors know they have left and to contact me if they see the deadbeat.... er, former tenant.

Congrats on the investment Hal. I find that it's much easier dealing with tenants if you act like you are simply a partner who owns the house. Tell the tenants that you are acting on behalf of your partner who is very strict in matters such as late payments. By doing this hopefully they will be more upfront with you. Give them notice that they are in default (if required by your state), and begin the eviction process if they don't pay. Perhaps they were having their way with the previous landlord and hopefully your actions will set them straight. Best of luck.

-I'm almost 37 years old.
-I would like to retire from my job within the next 5 years so that I can dabble in real estate for the rest of my life. REI is not work to me because i love it.
-Projected Net Worth: $2 millionish
-NOI: $10,000ish monthly (and this will surely grow)

I make enough rental income to provide for my family (wife & 3 young kids), but I still have a full-time job to provide the medical benefits. It is very frustrating being only a good deal or two away from being a full-time investor! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel but just can't get there fast enough! Best of luck.

If you door knock in low-income neighborhood you will surely meet many interesting people. Most of those you talk to will be renters/tenants, and will not be able to help you. You need to track and contact the owners via phone/mail.

I don't have a letter, but encourage you to set the tone early. Establish yourself as a no nonsense landlord. I bought a 35-unit a few years ago and evicted one tenant immediately. Everyone took notice and straightened-up quickly.

Yes carpet needs replaced every 5 years or so, but hardwood doesn't always hold-up great either. Ofen the engineered products scratch and dent easily. If you have a tenant with some rough kids or a pet then your hardwood floor it hosed. When I carpet I prefer to get a neutral/dark color of berber and put it over good padding. Buying the better padding should save you money in the long run because it will outlast the carpeting and won't need replacing (hopfully). As far as paint- Behr Swiss Coffee semi-gloss. They sell this off-white color straight of the shelves at Home Depot. Most importantly, keep all of your rentals the same paint color/finish, so that patching and painting is that much easier.

The oddest thing I've ever found in a rental unit is an urn. Oddly enough, i found it in the oven. Thank god it was empty!

I've had to clean-up after several different departed tenants. I've noticed the same items left behind in just about all of them. They always seem to leave a broom and/or a vacuum cleaner. It's odd because often the place hasn't been swept or vacuumed for months, yet there is a working vacuum sitting there for me to use if cleaning is more "my thing." Maybe they bought it but couldn't figure out how to use it??

I allowed an indoor dwarf bunny once and it was no problem. It was caged during the most of the day (as far as I know). No damage was done by it. I always collect a pet deposit in addition to the regular security deposit. If a tenant is willing to make sizable pet deposit then they will probably take care of their pet.