All Forum Posts by: Justin Godlewski

My brother’s complex sends a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card to every resident on their birthday and they have over 300 doors at this complex alone, not to mention their others. It’s for $5 sent via email by their apartment manager. Based on their waiting list and rent prices, the 5 to maybe 15 bucks they “gift” goes a long way for people paying $15,000-$20,000 in rent over the course of a year. The fact that it’s not expected seems to make it extra special. I’m afraid to mention the free summer BBQs the complex throws too! Seems to be working for them.

The title of your post is what all my painters say to me! Lol My local Sherwin Williams store has nailed a few matches for me recently. Their scanner even matched the color of a vinyl railing from a magazine picture I brought them. I’d recommend them next!

I’ve been having good luck pickIng up appliances at my local Lowe’s stores. Each store in my area have scratch and dent or returned appliances that are discounted appropriately.

I appreciate the response. Thank you!!

Everywhere I turn sources are recommending checking out deal after deal to know when you find a good one. However, especially as I start to focus on commercial properties, so few of the listings include actual numbers or NOIs to crunch, so what do you guys do when analyzing deals online? Do you fill out the confidentiality agreement on each property to get access to some numbers or call the property to ask for current rental rates to estimate gross income? I'm just curious how you crunch these deals online. Thanks for the help!!

Difficult if your existing box is metal, but I would replace with a "old work" ceiling box. Takes just a couple minutes and is great for a light weight ceiling fixture. 1-Gang 18 cu. in. Round Old Work Ceiling Box https://homedepot.app.link/uFfMCVvKLJ

Is there a location on the property where he could smoke without the smoke traveling into your unit? Perhaps a side yard or back yard? Like most have said, I'd rather compromise than risk smoking in the unit. Tell him you're smelling the smoke and it's making you ill, so if he could move it to the (new location) it would be much appreciated.

Hey Tim, I rely heavily on the advice of my father who's been a contractor, business owner and general contractor for over 35 years when it comes to my own investing. What I see most having an inside view both in the business and within the bigger pockets community my opinion is that the biggest problem with finding a good contractor is both cost and time. The good guys who are honest, easy to work with and know their stuff are going to be more expensive because they can be, like any profession. Those guys are in high demand and have enough work lined up that they can charge more. Secondly, people trust them and refer them consistently, so they have work lined up for a couple months. People wait for them because they're good. Good contractor don't like to cut corners to save a dollar as some flippers prefer because their name and livelihood are on the line. As an example, I'm not taking about using a low-cost vanity. I'm talking about using two coats of tape instead of 3 or skipping on a primer coat when they think it's needed. If you want a good contractor don't wait at a big box store, you're just hoping to get lucky. Go to a small lumber yard good contractors use more consistently and ask for referrals. Ask for referrals from specialty stores like cabinet vendors and privately owned plumbing stores. Those guys will have connections to people who have been in business for years and they've worked with for a long time. Don't trust anyone who gives you a firm estimate on a first visit. One can estimate a new hot water tank install will cost say $50 for material and install, but if they estimate the whole project in person without crunching numbers at home or at the office, they're not a good contractor and you can expect your project expenses to go up once you begin working with them. My recommendation once you get some referrals is to see the quality of their work and try and reserve someone once you sign a contract. That way if you have to wait say a month for them to finish their current project there's some wiggle room. If they come out to look at your project, don't expect them to give up their time for free. At least offer to buy them lunch and you can pick their brain more while you're there. That act of kindness will go a long way with them and their subs. Good luck in the search!!

As many have suggested on here, I took a little bit of time each day over the course of a week and called twelve banks in my area. The twelfth bank was a local portfolio lender that only requires 15% down for commercial loans. I suggest you start calling around. Might be surprised at what you find!

I've begun installing a fan switch that automatically senses the humidity in the bathroom and turns the fan on or off automatically depending upon the humidity level. I get them at Lowes.