All Forum Posts by: Jonathan S.

My state has a website that allows you find the owner information. Basically, take the address and look up the owner information. This can be done through tax records, online, etc. The owners address may be the same as the property address or maybe not. Mail it regardless.

Stick with the yellow letters. Driving for dollars is good to find distressed properties. You may want to refine your list more or try a whole new list all together. I don't even bother with equity lists because I would just get tire kickers.

@Christopher Giannino Thanks for your input. I'm glad to see someone else recently going through the same situation. I think the networking abilities are also a major bonus. Best of luck to you as well!

@Darren Sager that's really awesome advice and great to know. If you don't mind are there any companies you'd recommend working for over others or particular individuals in North Jersey who you think I should work with. you can send me a message if you don't want to be so public about it. I know you know your stuff especially in Jersey so I really value your opinion.

@Darren Sager Thats what I was kind of leaning towards. Access to the MLS is nice and all but I think the education I would get trump pretty much anything else and I'd like to make a little extra on the side.

I know this has been beat a bunch around here but I just wanted to hear some thoughts as it applies to my situation. I'm currently a full-time mechanical engineer, but I work from home and set my own schedule. I have no issue working late nights and long hours. I think becoming an agent might be beneficial to making progress towards being an investor. I'd also like to take this opportunity to connect with agents local to bergen county new jersey, who may have some advice or may want to work together in the future if I take the plunge. 

 Mostly being an engineer has helped me on the analytical and strategy side of things. I like to analyze and review everything before coming up with a game plan. Also Being involved in the construction side of things help me understand what it really takes in a construction project. I also use it as a double edge sword when networking at RE events. I tell people what I do on the engineering side of things in the off chance I can bring in business there if I don't offer anything on the RE side of things. 

Welcome to BP! I'm also an engineer from north jersey. I do mechanical and plumbing design. So I'm in the same boat helping out developers build and make loads of money.

I'm a mechanical engineer and I do a lot of work in the NYC area. I design HVAC and plumbing systems for buildings and work on many similar projects to yours. If you'd like, send a message with a brief description of the job and I can point you in the right direction of a good architect. 

You're on the right track though. Get the land surveyed, contract an architect and go from there. The general timeline is as follows. Design development/research, design/ construction documents, permitting/bid, construction, final inspection. This is by no means a short and simple process as NYC is a pain in the you know what when it comes to everything.

Colin, 

I'm a mechanical engineer and could also introduce you to some architects. Can you message me with some specifics on the project and perhaps I can make a suggestion. Most of the architect I work with do fairly high end work in the NYC area.

Thanks