All Forum Posts by: Jon Behlke

Has anyone here done a flip of a house that utilized vertical plank construction?  This is rather overwhelming as our first flip. We're trying to change the size of one window and put in windows in two new places, but don't want to compromise the structural integrity of the home.  

Anybody have any tips or tricks to installing windows in a vertical plank house? Additionally, anyone have any success trying to insulate these things? Seeing as the walls are about 7 inches thick of 4 different layers of wood, is there much need to insulate? Bear in mind we're in Pennsylvania at the base of the Appalachians, so it does get pretty cold here.

As far as what to eat, you have to go to Primanti Bros. while you're here.  There are several locations, so it shouldn't be too difficult to get to one.  Getting a Cap & Cheese w/egg there is the equivalent of getting a cheese steak in Philly.  You can't say you've been there without it.

Simple question, and I'm not meaning to be offensive, but I will probably inadvertently offend somebody: 

If a forum of real estate investors has spent years debating whether or not wholesaling is a legal venture, why would you want to get involved in wholesaling?

I realize the allure of getting into real estate with little of your own money, I really do.  And I certainly believe in most cases we should not let our fears dictate our actions, as this most often leads to inaction.  When the consequences are financial ruin and a potential criminal record, I think that's where I draw the line.

@Matt Hegedus

I'm no expert, but unless you or somebody you know wants to get into the meth lab/flop house business, steer clear of these places.  Even if you got them for free, you would incur the cost of razing the existing structure and then erecting a new structure, all in the hopes of a total sales price of what, $50k?  You'll have more than twice that into it.

Welcome @Rob Neidlinger!

That's a very impressive portfolio, made even more impressive by the fact you're doing it from Carlisle.  As a former Reservist, I'm somewhat familiar with the area   I look forward to your future posts as I am sure I will learn a thing or two from you.  We're currently in week 2 of our first flip.  Everybody starts somewhere!

Welcome home and welcome to Bigger Pockets!  Our Pittsburgh group seems to be growing every day, and there are a lot of knowledgeable people here.  Are you living North, East, South, or West of the city?  That will probably help narrow down your focus to start.

An octagon with a steel cage, a ticket taker, and a popcorn machine!

Seriously though, you would be wise to avoid getting involved in this any more than necessary.  I think there are a lot of people that have nothing better to do than to make drama in their lives, and it sounds like these tenants fall into that category.

If the overall size isn't too large, you should be able to pick up some concrete pavers pretty cheaply and create a more permanent solution for them that wouldn't involve insects.  It has the added effect of being a value add to the next tenant.  Just a thought.

@Brent M.

Areas North of the city have the easiest commute into the city via car from any direction.  Those areas with good school districts and decent (we don't have too much GOOD public transportation in good neighborhoods) would include the following school districts:  North Hills, Hampton, and Shaler.  

The South Hills has the best of the public transportation, as the "T" runs from the city through the south.  Low crime/good school districts in this area include: Baldwin, West Mifflin, and Thomas Jefferson.

I don't have as much knowledge of the west and east, other than the airport is west of the city, so public transportation is decent through that area, and Moon is a good school district but the housing prices are too high, IMO.

 We're going to put fries and coleslaw on the forum?  Cool!

I currently live and work 50 miles south of Pittsburgh, near Uniontown.  I went to elementary school in Moon, middle and high school in Wexford, and lived in and around Pittsburgh nearly my whole life.

My brothers in law and I have just started flipping houses, with us closing on the purchase of our first project 3 days ago.  Our target area is as far north as I-70, as far south as Morgantown. 

I look forward to discussing real estate with you all, and perhaps a few of us will have occasions to work with one another.