All Forum Posts by: Jim Robertson

@DeEtte Harrington

I have used Thumbtack for small projects, and I have found a few good workers through that site. I have found a lot of "chuck in a truck" contractors on all of the online bid sites. So you need vet them before hiring. Make sure they are professional. 

Once you find a good contractor whether it is a painter, carpenter, countertop install etc, ask them for recommendations. They know who they like working with and who does good work. 

@Gustavo Gonzalez Have you spoken with a commercial lender? They are usually more flexible and look at different criteria than traditional mortgage lenders. I had to talk to a few commercial lenders, but I eventually found a bank that could help me out. 

The shortest route is to getting a property will be through partnerships. You can partner with an american citizen and put the property in an LLC with both your names on the LLC. The mortgage will likely have to be in the citizens name.

Have you tried reaching out to other international investors? The process would be the same, except you can be your own "boots on the ground."

@Betty Cruz I was very interested in North Central San Antonio. Seems like a lot of opportunity with a large rental pool from military, colleges and downtown employers. I was really interested in 5 points, tobin hill, alta vista, and woodlawn lake. I think there is a lot of opportunity in east and west san antonio, but I dont know if I have the time to go after properties with structural issues and years of neglect. I would like to get into that type of rehab, but its not fitting with my current plan. 

Does anyone know of an experienced multifamily realtor that works in north central San Antonio?

@Peter Schaub I recently set up an LLC for a rental property, and Joseph Leak was able to help me set it up. His associate handled the deed transfer. We did everything through phone and email. Easy and not too expensive. I would use him again.

http://www.josephleaklaw.com/

@John Barr and @Seth Teel Thanks for the recommendations. I am going to try to get out and about this weekend to get a feel for those areas. 

@Chris Tao I spoke with a few people on bigger pockets about the eviction process in Texas. @Jeff Clawson was especially helpful. I filed with Travis County court and went through precinct 2. I got a court date set for about 2 weeks after I filed. I showed up to court with all of my documents and the tenant did not show. The judge looked at the lease and a copy of the "notice to vacate" letter. The Court ruled in my favor. Tenant did not appeal. I told them I was calling the sheriff to schedule the eviction day. They were gone the next day. Unit was trashed. The make ready cost approx $1500. I had $1200 security deposit so I was out $300  plus 2.5 months rent. The process was intimidating at first, but not that difficult. 

I am an Austin investor, but looking at other markets for cash flow properties. I was planning on driving around San Antonio over the next few weekends to check out some neighborhoods. Any recommendations on areas to look at? 

I am looking for properties with good bones that may need some cosmetic renovations and updates. What are some good B areas that you have had success in?

@Jason Rowlett If you are in city limits, I would call 311, and ask about building codes and minimum housing size. I have called 311 with a couple of code enforcement/zoning questions, and they have always been able to put me in touch with someone who could answer my question. 

Not sure what the rules/resources are for Travis County and the surrounding cities. 

@Shane Blackshear Inherited tenants can be rough. I had similar issues with late rent. Next time they are late on rent you can send them a pay or vacate notice. I would recommend typing something up on very official looking letterhead.  I also moved the due date for rent to the 5th of the month since disability or unemployment is usually mailed on the first ( 1 day to receive,  a day or to to cash/deposit, and then a day to get to me). I have never had the parking or cigarette issue though. 

St Johns is a good area with lots of upside. Congrats on two properties there.