Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 54%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$69 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
×
Try Pro Features for Free
Start your 7 day free trial. Pick markets, find deals, analyze and manage properties.
All Forum Categories
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

All Forum Posts by: Ken Livingston

Ken Livingston has started 11 posts and replied 43 times.

Post: Anyone worked with Ohio Elite PM company?

Ken Livingston
Posted
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 45
Quote from @Alvin Lee:
Quote from @Ken Livingston:

So I decided to go with Heart and Home. I had a few conversations with Cheryl as well as a couple references that she sent me as well as a few that I found on my own. She had good answers to all my questions (and there were a LOT of them) and made me confident that I am making the right choice. I am closing on my Duplex on Monday and will meet her face to face at the property on Tuesday. 

 Hi @Ken Livingston, I was wondering how your experience has been with Heart and Home? I am wanting to switch away from my current PM as they are subpar and was thinking of switching over to them.


 Hello Alvin. H&H have been OK. I had to switch managers within the company as my first was not very responsive at all. I’m all about do what you say and say what you mean. He wasn’t good at that. The second is better. Not great but better. I still have one of my two apartment vacant but the neighborhood that I am in probably has more to do with that than the Pm company. 

Post: Cleveland, OH Utilities

Ken Livingston
Posted
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 45

I have a rental in Columbus that is run through a PM company. The water is billed to me and then the cost is passed on to the tenant. 

Post: Business trip tax questions

Ken Livingston
Posted
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 45
Quote from @Account Closed:

Generally, you can deduct travel expenses directly related to your rental property business. This includes transportation costs such as gas, airfare, rental car fees, and lodging expenses while away from home. Keep receipts and records to substantiate these expenses.

The IRS allows you to deduct 50% of qualifying business-related meal and entertainment expenses. To qualify, the meal or entertainment must be directly related to your business or associated with the active conduct of your real estate investment activities. So, if you're discussing business matters with your property manager or realtor during a meal, those expenses could potentially be deductible.

Be mindful of distinguishing between personal and business expenses. While meals directly related to your real estate investment activities may be deductible, meals that are purely personal in nature are not.




 Got it. Makes sense. Thank you. 

Post: Business trip tax questions

Ken Livingston
Posted
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 45

So I am in another state where I just purchased a duplex on Monday. I drove here and have of course have saved my gas receipts. My question is, is everything on this trip a write off? I am solely here to do some work on the property, meet with the new PM, and to have a sit down with my realtor to discuss possible future moves. 
  can I write off all the meals I have had while here? Even if by myself? 
  thanks in advance 

Post: Anyone worked with Ohio Elite PM company?

Ken Livingston
Posted
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 45

So I decided to go with Heart and Home. I had a few conversations with Cheryl as well as a couple references that she sent me as well as a few that I found on my own. She had good answers to all my questions (and there were a LOT of them) and made me confident that I am making the right choice. I am closing on my Duplex on Monday and will meet her face to face at the property on Tuesday. 

Post: Anyone worked with Ohio Elite PM company?

Ken Livingston
Posted
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 45
Quote from @Nicholas Smith:

@Ken Livingston, curious if you decided to use elite or whether you went a different route? How's your experience been thus far?


 The Place that I was going to buy didn't happen. Lets say the seller wasn't exactly honest about the condition of the property,... AT ALL. A bit discouraging and frustrating but I will carry on. I am scheduled to close on a duplex in Milo-Grogan in mid April so havent secured a PM yet. still shopping. but will certainly update here once the decision has been made. 

Post: Anyone worked with Ohio Elite PM company?

Ken Livingston
Posted
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 45
Quote from @Remington Lyman:
Quote from @Ken Livingston:

Hello All. Close to closing a deal in Columbus and am looking at a few PM companies. Anyone ever worked with Ohio Elite? All you Reafco guys are great but looking for people that dont have an association. Thanks in advance


I would check out ERA or Heart and Home. ERA is trying to start sending us small referral bonuses but they have not figured out their tracking yet. Heart and Home does not do anything. We use them because they are large PM companies.

I would also check out 10X Property Management with Gamal

Yeah those reafco guys are skep


 Lol. Thanks Remington 

Post: Anyone worked with Ohio Elite PM company?

Ken Livingston
Posted
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 45

Hello All. Close to closing a deal in Columbus and am looking at a few PM companies. Anyone ever worked with Ohio Elite? All you Reafco guys are great but looking for people that dont have an association. Thanks in advance

Post: Looking for rental management company in Columbus Ohio

Ken Livingston
Posted
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 45

https://www.propertymanagement.com/companies-in-columbus-oh/

I researched this and then made some calls and interviewed the ones I was interested in. 

Post: Dealing With Opposing Agents

Ken Livingston
Posted
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 45
Quote from @Ryan Dao:
Quote from @Ken Livingston:

I am sure that your agents dislike having their time wasted and will do much less for you if they know that is the case. Using two agents in the same area and pitting them against each other is wasting all three of your time. Vet the agents and stick with the one who you find more credible and efficient. 

   This in just my opinion and was suggested to me when I had two in the same area. 


 Hello Ken, thank you for your response. Sorry I wasn't clear, I meant the interactions between a seller's agent and the buyer's agent, not multiple buyer/seller agents competing against each other.


 I see. I apologize.