All Forum Posts by: Kathy Argento

I have to agree with Scott. It's tough to spend hard-earned money without a plan in place on what to do with the assets you acquire. 

With that said, what I would do if I were in your situation (which I would not be) would be to advertise on here on Bigger Pockets if there is a contractor or two who can go in them and help you estimate the amount of work the homes would require to be fixed up. Once they are fixed up, or even if they do not get fixed up, start calling local realtors to put them on the MLS, or advertise them here on Bigger Pockets to sell them without a realtor, or advertise them for sale on Craigslist.. Or if you plan on renting them out, advertise them on Craigslist.

Just my 2 cents..........

Welcome Edward! Good luck in your journey!

I am an out of state investor, but originally from Pontiac, Michigan, and am interested in buying and holding deeply discounted homes in Pontiac, MI.  That usually starts with a good, trustable, reliable contractor.  Does anyone know of one (or two) who you like and trust, who I can call that speaks English?

Thanks!

Definitely you want to have your letter go to the owner, not the renter, so the mailing address is the one to send the letters to.

Found the podcast: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EA_7sdP89sg

Do you have the budget to get some light staging done? You could move some of the owners furniture out in the garage. Smells make a very large difference! You could go to Bath and Body Works and put a "Wallflower" in 3 or 4 rooms, especially the living room and especially the kitchen. Make sure the smell is not overbearing.

I'm going out there in Early August for my class reunion and am staying in Midtown Detroit.  Anyone want to do a field trip out there with me like on August 3rd-ish?  We could get a realtor to show us areas and properties......I'm serious!

@Dennis

Dennis, I was also eyeing that one, as I am originally from Michigan, and was thinking it was a bargain.  The area is not bad at all and northern Farmington Hills is known as quite well to do.  I think it looks like it could use a little sprucing up (ie: landscaping) to make it nicer, then you could raise rents slightly and you will have yourself a real gem.

@Gregory

This is very helpful info.  Thank you.  My daughter may attend Canisius College.  Not sure yet though...

Hello everyone.

I am interested in investing in buy and holds long distance in Buffalo, NY because my daughter may go to college in this city.  I live in CA.  I am looking at a duplex right now in this area (circled in red below).  Can I get any information if this area is a safe area or not?  Or would I have to qworry about vandalism here.  Of course, I know there are risks wherever you buy, but just curious about this particular area.  Thank you.

~Kathy in CA