All Forum Posts by: Keaton M.

@Brad Crumpton

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commercial-Electric-6-in-Aluminum-Remodel-IC-Recessed-Housing-6-Pack-CAT7ICRM/202057577

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Halo-LT-5-in-and-6-in-White-Integrated-LED-Recessed-Ceiling-Light-Retrofit-Trim-at-5000K-Daylight-LT560WH6950R/304216252

or 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commercial-Electric-Ultra-Slim-6-in-New-Construction-and-Remodel-Color-Selectable-Canless-LED-Recessed-Kit-4-Pack-91365/306079856

You need to use the first 2 together or use the last link by itself. They're all adjustable and easy to install. Just repair the drywall at the fluorescent fixture  and add some electrical wire between each of these recessed lights. Youtube will teach you how to install. I used a combo of both lights in my place bc a plumbing drain restricted the allowable height. 

@Anthony Johnson

Recessed lights are very simple to install and cost about 15-20 each from HD. They’re LED so you shouldn’t have to change them out for multiple years. They’re usually adjustable too to be either warm or cool colored light

@Ben Clark I didn’t realize this was a big deal apparently. I bought my first and only property where my dad put down 20% as a “gift” and the title and mortgage are 100% in my name. No legal documents between us but I will be repaying him with interest. We both had to provide bank statements. No hiccups or issues. It’s an owner occupied property so that might help. Did I make a mistake on this?

@Simon Obas

I did this with a 4plex in Austin where the market is very hot. It was my first property, I’m young, we were rehabbing it, I inspected it, and i was comfortable with my own inspection. New AC’s, new water heater, roof looked good, foundation looked good. We got into a bidding war AND took on more risk. I don’t plan on continuing this strategy because it is very risky but I’m ok with that right now. The property went on the market and closed within four days. I did what I thought I needed to to get my foot in the door. Also, don’t let other peoples posts make you feel ridiculous for asking this question. It’s a legitimate strategy that your getting more information about. Risky but legitimate. Best of luck! Also, I’ve had three service calls in the past year that we’re quite minor. It worked out for us.

@Vilena G. Moving in may extend your timeline of the flip. You may want to ask for a month-to-month lease extension. My wife and I did that for $100/month extra. Very worth it. Everyone’s suggestion to live in it for 2 years to avoid taxes is a fine suggestion, but you need to make your strategy and plan clear rather and not bounce to everyone else’s suggestion. This is your investment.

@Bret Habura then I definitely wouldnt think it was the stairs. You would hear a noise or the movement would be pretty noticeable, especially if it was causing wall damage. The stairs do look a bit steep though, is that common for that area?

@Bret Habura

Are the stairs carpeted? Are you able to tell if they have moved at all? It is very unlikely to be an issue with the stairs, otherwise you would be able to tell while walking on them. It looks like it probably got hit by something from below or possibly water damage. It wouldn’t be hard to open up the wall and repair it though. It also doesn’t seem like a foundation movement crack. Those would be pretty thin and there would be some on other walls too.

@Moises R Cosme so are you suggesting buying property a few years after a new development is built? It seems like you're saying there is a lag of a few years so if I purchased a property during that early stage, I wouldnt necessarily miss out on the appreciation. 

@Andrew B.

You can also get an endoscope inspection camera on amazon for like $20 to look inside the pvc for roots or just leaves and dirt. But I also just like buying new toys

@Andrew B.

I’m a forensic structural engineer, just plug the hole when it’s dry with some repair material from Home Depot. Clean it out first though. It’s a puddle of water coming through an obvious hole, not a big deal. If you had cracks in the wall and seepage often, then I’d be concerned. Keep an eye on it though. I do suggest regrading too but you should only have to do a few feet from house around the perimeter, not the entire yard like what @Joe Splitrock is saying. Water proofing barrier doesn’t sound super important in this case, you just need the water to not accumulate and stay next to the house.