All Forum Posts by: Julie L.

I have reached out to my sister to ask for her contact list.  I'll get back to you when I have info.  

By the way between my sis and my Mom (both in the Santa Clarita area) they have done a master bath remodel, a kitchen remodel, and a rental condo update in the last month.

I am impressed that you can get $1500 for a section 8 property.

It looks fabulous.  We are also doing a live in flip.  We are 11 months in and the exterior is complete.  We live in a chaotic reno zone.  Thank you so very much for the inspiration.  This helps me keep my eye on the goal line. 

I've started the conversation about opening a solo 401K with some professionals.  I've been quoted by one finance guy who is local.  I've been told the level of service quoted is for full setup of a business structure, new plan documents, and IRS determination letter, in order to utilize checkbook control. 

I'm curious about what others are paying for the service of setting up a 401K and what level of service is provided for that fee. 

I had an offer accepted on a HUD home last year. We used 88% net to HUD calculation.

A quick Google search found this description -

http://www.homebuyinginstitute.com/buying-foreclosed-2a.php

Welcome to the BP forums from a fellow North-westerner.  I am currently in my first investment project.  We are doing a live-in flip, slowly. 

HI, I'm very interested in hearing about the kinds of deals you have been doing and what your strategy is in Snohomish County.  I'm a new investor in Snohomish County and the current plan includes purchasing another property within the next nine months.  Please add me to your meet-up.

Screening your tenants more thoroughly than is typical may give you some assurance that you've done everything you can to set yourself up for good outcomes.  Some suggestions include - 1) do a surprise visit to their current living situation.  This will tell you about how they choose to live by just seeing the environment, which actually tells you a lot about a person.  2) ask for references that include people that they have lived with recently.  3) Use the information that actuaries and insurance companies use.  Meaning a good credit score predicts outcomes fairly well.  People with enough money to pay first and last and a deposit, with a good credit score, references that pass muster and currently live in a way that you find acceptable (because you put your eyes on how they live) would probably be a relatively safe bet for sharing a living situation with.  4) Include criminal background checks in your work up.  The folks who through bricks through windows might have had trouble with similar lack of self control in the past.  5) You can pay someone to do this type of checking, except the surprise visit of the current house.  Beyond that know what you expect and clearly communicate it.  Lay out what you expect from them and what you offer them in return.  An example - "I expect you to be considerate of others, observe the house rules and pay on time and I want you to know what you can expect from me.  I will be faithful to fix things in a reasonable time frame and I will hold myself and others accountable to the same standards I've laid out.  When we both follow through with what we have committed to we will all have a please place to live.  If you are late with your rent this is what happens...If you violate the house rules this is what happens..."  Then be prepared to hold up those boundaries or have a system in place for someone to help you enforce the boundaries. 

Perry Ivy - you are my hero :)  From a fellow frugal zealot.  I'm doing my first deal with 100% cash (my cash).  Debt free isn't risk free though.  It's simply how we are comfortable doing business today.  We may choose to use leverage in the future.

You might ask the neighbors who they call.  My sister lives in Southern California and she and her neighbors have a go to list for handymen, painters, etc. The whole neighborhood uses the same folks.   - Just a thought  (by the way she is in Santa Clarita or I'd get her contacts for you, but I think this is too far from you)