All Forum Posts by: Ken Bateman

I agree - there is usually a "locking mechanism" type thing - try raising the window & snap it out - then look in the channel - there is probably something in the shape of a C or U depending on which way it is turned.....this usually controls the tension rod.....play with that & then make sure they are both locked back in place parallel to each other - then re-insert the window & try it...That in itself may work....

Thanks Christian - I was wondering if I could chat with you & your wife sometime (after my personal mess goes away) - about the MLS, specifically things to look for....would she (and you) be willing to help me find what I may be looking for...? By the way - do you do any pre-foreclosures - or mostly just Bank REOs? Thanks - Ken

OK - This may sound really dumb...but - there are actually people in EVERY market (not just the biggies) - that will call you & offer to sell you their properties for pennies on the dollar?? I'm sorry if I'm stupid - but I guess I have just been in the "buy & hold" mentality whereas I'll buy a property for 10-20% below market value - and rent them out until I do a LTO....

I've just always been confused if these deals are really out there?? Especially with all the "hype" about Pre-foreclosures - I didn't think Central PA was such a huge market for foreclosures....

Thanks - Ken

Not over your head at all...Congrats - you have some good ideas....What I would suggest is a prop that is lower than market based mostly on cosmetics...flooring, paint, minor drywall, possibly cabinets, etc...you can get substantial discounts & still get the 1st time buyers rates & programs & such - then hold for a few years & possibly rent it out....or another option would be HUD foreclosures - they have (in our area at least) a 10 day "owner occupant priority" - before the true investors can even bid on them....much less competition....you may want to look into that avenue as well - Whatever your method - congratulations...& good luck!

Ken

coglethorpe - If you find that spreadsheet - would you be able to e-mail a copy to me - or is that bad form?? or I guess you could just e-mail it to me on here??

Thanks - Ken

Congrats to you as well Toby....!

:groovy:

I agree - start with bird dogging....and also find out about local investors groups in your area - there you will meet people with varying backgrounds, each with their own field of expertise...you'll meet investors that you can bird dog for....hear all kinds of stories, both good & bad, etc, etc....oh yeah - and read everything you can, especially on places like BP....Go US...!

Good Luck - Ken

Holy Shnankeys...! (Sorry about the Tommy Boy reference) And I thought Downtown Harrisburg was bad in some areas....you people actually invest in places where you'd need this thing....Hey - I'll risk a lot for a good profit - but I've never invested in a place where I'd need a "flashlight" like this for a "walk" - but it is a pretty cool little gadget, ain't it?? lol

I agree with everything on here - Congrats - and although I am also still a newbie....I'll get there in time - at my age - I certainly feel like the tortoise, not the hare.... :goofy:

Great job at such a young age - I bought my first property at 22, right out of college...which has given me a much better equity position over the years.....Other People's Money, right???? Took equity from prop 1 to buy prop 2, etc, etc, etc....Congrats....

BUT - I'd stay far away from Seminars.....go to the library - read all you can - join forums - this one's FABULOUS...!!!! Ask questions - remember - the only dumb question is the one that you didn't ASK....!

Best of luck!