All Forum Posts by: Josh Thomas

Hey BP!

I'm looking at writing two offers for two adjacent multi-family properties, owned by one individual free and clear, listed with two separate agents from different firms. Should I proceed with purchasing them one at a time? I could add contingencies on both so each offer is contingent upon acceptance of the other. I would then submit both offers at once and start the negotiations, hopefully with some sort of seller financing.

Anyone have other clever ideas for a package deal like this? Perhaps by wrapping two offers into one and limiting the transaction to one set of closing costs? Not sure how that could work since each listing agent needs their share of commission. I plan to represent myself, so no buyers agent.

FYI I was able to view Baltimore city zoning through this website: 

http://cityview.baltimorecity.gov/

I am new to the area and closing on a vacant multi-family home (3 units) in Baltimore city. I have quite a few questions how to make sure it is a legal rental. Any help is appreciated!

1) The bottom unit is in a basement where half of the unit has ceilings above 7', while the other half are around 6.5'. Will height be a problem with inspections?

2) The 2nd floor unit does not have a back door out of the home (but it does have plenty of windows). Will it pass an egress test?

3) The only inspection checklist I can find just calls out basic stuff like fire detectors. Does anyone have a better link? http://greaterbaltimoreashi.org/pdfs/county%20rent...

4) I understand I will need a rental inspection, lead inspection, and section 8 inspection. Are those all separate or can any be combined? Should I contact the building department for this, or does anyone have contacts they may share?

5) What other inspections or permits do I need, like C of O?

6) How can I look up zoning information? When I tried the address, intersection, or even tax ID in the following site there is no address match found:
http://myneighborhood.baltimorecountymd.gov/

7) The Recorder of deeds website provides great info. Any other sites that will help researching properties?
 https://mdlandrec.net/main/

https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/04/0...

https://www.biggerpockets.com/files

I can not find any contractors that will even come out for an estimate for minor remodeling work. I literally contacted everyone on the first three pages of Yelp. They are all too busy or they think my job is too small. Does anyone have advice for me to find general contractors in Washington DC?