All Forum Posts by: Jesse O.

@Kirk R. I've done white paint 3 times how, I've had 1 for 2 years now, and it's actually looking pretty good still. They were cheapo oak home depot cabinets. I am not painting some formica ones at another place, will see how that goes.... If it holds up or not. I used a primer that is supposed to bond to it. It looks good now, but I'll have to see if it peels or not....

@Michael Seeker I'd love to see specifics too, but to be a 2% it should have taxes & insurance factored in, else you could be a .5%, I hope people always calculate all expenses in. Else it's not worth even comparing anything.

Thanks Jeremy, I realize that's definitely a issue with the CL route, so still looking for any suggestions for the area.

Hi all, I'm up to 6 tenants in Pasco County, Fl and with a full time job, I'm starting to think I need some help. I've done everything - property manager, remodeler, lawns (I just outsourced lawns a few months back), and break \ fix. I did a lot of work up front in updating, and fixing (new water heaters, faucets, plumbing valves, switches, etc) so do not get a huge number of calls, sometimes a couple of months go by, but then I may get 2 calls in a week which is not what I'm looking to do after a full time job. 

Anyone have any local Pasco references? It won't be steady work obviously, so I'd need someone who is flexible. I hired a couple of CL handymen, but was not overly impressed with some things. One cost me money, time and problems fixing a leaking faucet, so I'm gun shy a bit with anyone who isn't vouched by someone... 

Any suggestions? I want to get more rentals, but need to square this process away before I can take much more. I think. 

1.8 to 2.2% in Pasco county, FL. 3 properties in last 1.5 years in this range... 

+1 for habitat for humanity if you have a local one, have seen many new items there. No warranty, but it's new so likely good.

I stored a fridge in my garage as a sapre for about 3 years, and was irritated every time i saw the space it was taking. I refuse to shop used on craigslist, waste of time. MAYBE a used appliance store, but really rather have something new.

@Mark J.  I love duplexes too, great way to go. Welcome to the forums. 

Ahh, I didn't even consider that. You are right, I'm hit either way. So I really do need to take the tax hit into account before I decide to not hire something out..... I'm not a fan of working for lower than I make at my day job, so something should change it looks like....

So I tend to lean towards the do it myself side as far as maintenance break fix since I only have about 6 doors still. Trying to keep the profits as profits I guess. But I have been thinking, am I saving even less than I thought I was was? My thought was those times when I do hire someone, I get a  invoice, and something I write off on my texes. When I go spend 3 hours on a project, I get... a few miles and maybe a receipt from home depot. So my question, can I pay myself a reasonable rate to do work? The homes are in my name, so I am guessing no... But that makes me think I am really wasting time trying to save any money doing things I really do no want to be doing. 

Curious is this is the case, or if there is a way to recover the tax savings that I am not aware of. I guess this is one of those reasons why I should have a more active CPA..

So, thoughts??

@Trey H. Welcome! I'm in the TB area as well, to the north. I am at 2 SFR & 2 duplexes now, one is in riverview and the others are in pasco county. I think outside of Tampa city limits is a lot better for cashflow right now, Pasco offers a lot more potential imo.... It's a bit of a haul from south tampa, but I think it's probably worth it.

I've seen some stuff in the MacDill area, but the neighborhoods look sketchy to me, I really want things I'd be OK living in, one of my criteria as I don't want low end tenants....