All Forum Posts by: Lolo Druff

I've heard horror stories about awful property management companies and am looking for a REFERRAL for a trusted source from an investor. Please let me know who you have worked with and why you like them (How many properties do they manage for you, how long have you worked with them, what you like about them etc.)

When the unit is vacant, do they cover the cost for professional photography to rent it out again, or is that an additional fee?

I'm thinking about submitting an offer on a property, where the selling agent is also the property manager. They said the tenants pay on time every month, and they have never had any issues. If we open escrow, what do I need to ask for regarding the tenants leases? Do I need to get an estoppel certificate?

I am looking to buy my first investment property, and my goal is to continue building this portfolio every year until I can live off my rental income entirely. I have about $400K to deploy, but would prefer to buy several duplexes rather than 1 more expensive building. I live in CA but am open to investing anywhere that makes financial sense. Cash flow is important of course, but so is appreciation, so I want to ensure I have a balance of both. Is it wise to buy some units with high cash flow and low appreciation, and others with lower cash flow but high appreciation to diversify my portfolio?  

I was looking in Columbus OH but the market is so saturated and it's been difficult for me to find cash-flowing deals there. Any deal that I've found seems to have sold within the last 2 years, and its alarming as to why it's back on market again unless they have problems with the building and/or tenants. I'm open to all suggestions regarding different cities that meet my requirements and would love to chat with some realtors who have local experience working with investors. 

I'm interested in writing an offer on a duplex in Columbus OH that is currently occupied with Section 8 tenants on both sides. Is there anything I need to do, or be aware of when buying an occupied property with section 8 tenants? Do I need to re-apply with the city? This is my first investment property, I plugged everything into my deal analysis calculator and it seems to be like a good deal but I want to ensure I don't have any surprises.