All Forum Posts by: Jon Hilfiger

@Hadar Orkibi - thanks!!

@Greg Dickerson thanks for the info and quick reply

All - I’m currently analyzing my first MF deals and wonder what format Jake and Gino and Michael Blanks deal analyzers come in. Are they Excel? Web based? I’m ideally looking for something I can download bs only use as a web based tool. If web based that’s ok as long as I can download it and create/manipulate the data there as well. Thanks for any thoughts in advance.

@Marc Jackson I’d agree. It’s pricey. But we have a great house and like it. But yes self managing is the way we are doing it.

@Kerry Baird it’s been generally ok. A few expenses we didn’t expect (A/c and water heaters). A few cleaning mishaps but we are still taking a long view. Using vrbo and ecbyo. So...so far so good and we are pretty booked all summer.

All - thanks again. Appraisal came back about $100k over purchase. Minor repairs needed. Assuming financing works out we are leaning towards yes. I suspect we will break even on renting for the first 1-2 years without a mgt co. Appreciate all comments.

all - very helpful and we are getting closer to finalizing a contract. Not using a realtor - so that is HUGE on the price we are paying. We also plan on self-managing to save 20-30%. I'm doing it now with a cabin we have in the mountains so pretty sure we can handle it...just complying with local regs will be key. More to come and thank you again. 

@Luke Carl - interesting comment. What's your opinion of best places to buy vacation rentals? Why do you think Destin isn't the spot? I've typically seen it listed as a top spot to vacation. We are getting a good deal with built in equity but I'm curious what other fees and why Destin may be bad. We plan on using it to both use for family and rent out with a goal of not losing money...not necessarily making bank from renting (at least on this one). 

@Valerie Rogers - any opinion on Destin as good spot for short term vacation rentals? Thanks, all!

We are close to buying a 4 bed 3 bath single family home in Destin FL. It’s in a great neighborhood with a pool 20 yards away and the beach is a 50 yard walk. Anyone have any recommendations on buying and renting out? House is pricey but neighborhood values are high and Destin is a top vacation spot. Should we use a mgt co? (we will be 8 hours away) should we just find a on call handyman? Thanks for any input.