All Forum Posts by: Kenneth Soles

Definitely depends on your market.  I own a (two) one bedroom unit duplex for the last 12 years with the same setup.  I have had previous tenants move out and just leave their window units so I offer them as a convenience to the new tenant with the understanding that if they break I won't replace it.  I have never had a problem finding quality tenants.  One thing nice about the baseboards is they are virtually trouble free since there are no moving parts.   I have only replaced one since I've owned it.

So I bought a large 3 story duplex at the county tax sale real cheap. It's in pretty rough shape. I am thinking about gutting it and converting it to four 3 bedroom apartments. I am trying to get a budgetary number of what this may cost. Dimensions are 45 feet by 26 feet. Want to do all new mechanics. Also new vinyl siding. Just trying to see if this is something I should pursue or move onto something else. This is located in southwestern Pennsylvania. Is there a formula to calculate by the square foot how much a renovation typically costs? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

I invest in westmoreland county. Can I help in some way?

In what state?

Taylor

I am from this area and invest in these areas.  I'll try to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to message me.

I am very interested in a property being sold on a Pennsylvania judicial tax sale through a county tax claim bureau.  The property has a sizable Pennsylvania Department of Revenue tax lien.   Looks like the person was a business owner and didn't pay sales tax to the state.   Has anyone ever run into this?  Since its a judicial sale can the lien be released relatively easily or will the state try to collect some amount from me on this lien?   

Any help or advice would be appreciated. 

Thanks everyone.  Great points to consider.  Wayne brought up a good point about the current occupants being able to pay the rent if they haven't been paying the taxes.  I did think about perhaps offering to rent to them for a specified amount of time at below market value (enough to cover the taxes) till they can get things figured out.

I want to do everything I can so not to come off as a prick.  Trying to avoid the occupant from potentially damaging or trashing the place just to get even .   

I have a duplex that the gutter gets clogged up if you don't clean it once or twice a year. I've always cleaned it myself and it never occurred to me to have the tenant do it. At any rate I would rather do it myself anyway. Too much risk having my tenant fall off a ladder and me being sued or having my roof damaged by the tenant.

Currently in the process of buying a house in Pennsylvania at a judicial tax sale through a county Tax Claim Bureau.  It looks to be occupied.  I've bought vacant properties through a judicial tax sale before but this is my first occupied property. 

Does anyone have any advice on how to approach the occupants?  I am a little hesitant to just knock on the door and introduce myself for who knows how they would react.   I want to come across as being willing to work with the occupant. I want to give them some time to find other living arrangements or even perhaps considering renting to them.  I am thinking about sending a carefully worded certified letter as my first attempt to contact them.  

If it ultimately comes down to me having to do  an eviction, ejectment or cash for keys then so be it.  If anyone could share some of their experiences, particularly on how they went about initially approaching the occupants I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks!!