Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here
Pick markets, find deals, analyze and manage properties. Try BiggerPockets PRO.
x
All Forum Categories
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

All Forum Posts by: James McCard

James McCard has started 3 posts and replied 273 times.

Post: Best Vehicle for DIY Landlord

James McCardPosted
  • Investor
  • New Hartford, CT
  • Posts 281
  • Votes 104

Yeah I am a weird minority haha. @Thomas Hickey I haven't driven a truck with more power  and the 6.5 blows away the 350 gas job in regards to power that was also available in my truck. I just plan ahead when it comes to hills as that is the only time it is really an issue when I am towing a heavy load. 

A buddy of mine makes a good living bulletproofing the 6.0s once it is done they are very reliable. 

Post: Best Vehicle for DIY Landlord

James McCardPosted
  • Investor
  • New Hartford, CT
  • Posts 281
  • Votes 104

6.0 is fine once it is bulletproofed - I'll stick with my 6.5 Turbo Diesel though as it's cheaper to run then a Cummins/Powerstroke/Duramax parts are cheaper as well. 

Post: Where to save for a down payment?

James McCardPosted
  • Investor
  • New Hartford, CT
  • Posts 281
  • Votes 104

@Blake King it did not affect my credit at all as they are prepaid cards - It is a good strategy for me to have my emergency fund both easily on hand and earning interest. 

Post: Best Vehicle for DIY Landlord

James McCardPosted
  • Investor
  • New Hartford, CT
  • Posts 281
  • Votes 104

@Kevin Williams` the 550 would not be a bad car. I would stay away from the 55 (with the supercharger) as they are known for being needy. 

Maintenance wise you can't go wrong with the Lexus

Post: What kind of car do you drive?

James McCardPosted
  • Investor
  • New Hartford, CT
  • Posts 281
  • Votes 104

I have only owned used cars (I work in the automotive industry). I am a plain jane guy, I make my living fixing broken cars and at the end of the day I rarely want to work on mine. All my stuff is bought and paid for in cash - haven't had a payment since I got out of technical school. Everything I own is crank windows and manual locks... just less to go wrong. I am a bit of a car nut so the stable is full right now: 

1992 Chevrolet K2500 single cab long bed 6.5 Turbo diesel pickup automatic - 363,000 miles and serves as my Home Depot runner, plow truck and tows anything I can throw at it. Runs like it has 150k on it 

1975 Mercedes Benz 240D - 62hp diesel engine, automatic transmission blue with a white top and bumpers of a 1971 220

1993 Nissan Sentra SE-R slicktop 5 speed - someday race car although I am still driving it on the street on occasion

1991 Sentra SE-R the future ultimate street car (sunroof) 5 speed- in process 

1993 Nissan NX2000 T-tops and 5 speed - the high compression street car - down with motor problems

1992 Nissan NX2000 T-top 5 speed SR20DET - T28 turbo, cage, racing seats the works 

Post: Where to save for a down payment?

James McCardPosted
  • Investor
  • New Hartford, CT
  • Posts 281
  • Votes 104

It have been using an interesting strategy. Netspend which is a prepaid credit card has a free savings account that is attached to it you can earn 5% interest on paid quarterly (on up to $1000 above that and the interest rate drops). I think you are allowed to get three different accounts so that is up to 3,000 right there. 

If that interests you here is a code that will get each of us $20 dollars you just need to enter the code:

8972889963

Post: Told to scrap investing

James McCardPosted
  • Investor
  • New Hartford, CT
  • Posts 281
  • Votes 104

@Rich Thoms I would reach out to Rick over at Santa Realty - it won't let me tag him for some reason. I am sure he can give you some advice and if he can't help you I know he can find someone who can. 

Post: Rehaping 100 year old hard wood floors

James McCardPosted
  • Investor
  • New Hartford, CT
  • Posts 281
  • Votes 104

Mine @Stanley Parsley or the OP?

If you are talking about mine they are very nice. The house was built 24 on center and in those days there was no subfloor - just hardwood running opposite of the joists. The wood is strong - no creaks, pops etc and there is no reinforcements underneath. 

Post: Greenhorn saying hello

James McCardPosted
  • Investor
  • New Hartford, CT
  • Posts 281
  • Votes 104

Central CT is the one I attend @Jeffrey VanGilder - it is over in Manchester CT

Post: Best Vehicle for DIY Landlord

James McCardPosted
  • Investor
  • New Hartford, CT
  • Posts 281
  • Votes 104

Got to love a fellow car guy on here @Kevin Williams`  My advice is if you are looking for a fun car you can tinker with look at older Mercs - you can score them cheap needing work. I am in the middle of finishing up a 1975 Mercedes 240D 

I am not sure what your individual needs are although what you are thinking of doing sounds like a solid plan. I use and abuse my 1992 K2500 6.5 turbo diesel for all sorts of stuff - I can't kill it. Hauling, plowing etc. It clicked over 363k while pushing snow the other day.