All Forum Posts by: Jason Smith

I am interested in purchasing an apartment building as a first investment property, it's the only building that has decent numbers at first glance.   It is an 11 unit building with two store fronts.   Only 4 of the 11 units are occupied at just under 600 each unit per month.   I'm planning on going to see the buildng and ask questions on Monday.  How should I determine the overall value?  Current list price is 159000, taxes are 4300 a year.  Are there any questions other than why are you selling? and what keeps the rest of the building from being rented? That I should ask?   Thanks for your help!  

Newbie Jason Smith

Thank you all for all of your info!   Every one of you had very valid points, my wife I guess will have final say and she uses a Mac at work and loves it.  We both have iPhones and she does some photo editing and graphic work.   Although I don't need the expensive Mac  products and I don't like to spend the extras, I think I will be purchasing an IMAC.

this is what I have found so far, the property has an assessed value of 190000. I have been told by a few locals that the taxes will be based on the purchase price as the current value after closing so the tax amount should drop considerably. I am a bit hesitant because the tax assessment will put it above my budget, I guess I will have to put that in the contract and wait to see if the offer is accepted. Thank you for the warning on watching over the agreements carefully!

sounds like a difficult question for some but most of you have it down which one is better? PC or Mac? What are the benefits of each with differ nets programs to track expenses or analyze deals? Does either have a better setup for keeping track of rental expenses, fix ups, or wholesales? What's your opinions?

I'm considering the purchase of a new computer, mine is 12 years old and I rarely use it for anything but quicken for personal finances. I'm a newbie and could use your experience! Thanks BP!

thank you all for the hellos! I currently own my own home and the family is reluctant to move to a duplex, I listen to the podcast daily on my way to and from work ( obviously catching up a bit) and I will look at the books soon. The hair is an old picture, I have matured alittle since then! Haha thanks again!

I was about to put in an offer on an REO and my agent told me the property taxes would be over 4000 due for escrow before closing, the offer would have been 40000 on a large home. What determines the property taxes and can they be reduced if they seem extra inflated?

My name is Jason and I am from Ford City, Pa (north of Pittsburgh)

I am interested in owning a few multi-family rentals to replace my current income and to start saving more for retirement. I am only 32 and I can't wait to get started! I love driving the neighborhood and scouting houses but I don't have the capital to buy my first yet. Does anyone recommend getting a property management certificate? If you are ever in my area, I'd love to take you to lunch, thanks! Jason