All Forum Posts by: Linval T.

As @Jon Holdmanindicated, I am wondering why you want to be partially connected?

This isn't a recipe for success in this connected  and instant communications world.

I am sure you are thinking of other social media methods of communication, but, talk will never go away!

There are several ways of obtaining a cheap/free phone connection as outlined in several responses, so, you might want to rethink this strategy. 

Frankly, It doesn't look professional from my viewpoint.

If I were your tenant and have an issue that needs to be addressed promptly or otherwise and can't speak with you, then, that would be a huge problem.

No. Below, is the link of states with reciprocity per the DOS.

http://www.dos.ny.gov/licensing/realestate/re_reciprocity.html

@Kellie Kreps

I clearly understand your predicament. However, you have to understand that Real Estate agents and landlords have to do their due diligence and request a background check. So, this incident will show whether you divulged it or not.

I am being frank with you, but, some landlords are reluctant to rent to people with documented convictions. Although you stated that you were NOT convicted of a crime. 

In this case you should pursue the removal of this charge from your name.

However, my suggestion to you will be to pursue your apartment hunting via a non-profit organization that caters to Veterans and have your husband spearhead this transaction. 

He will probably get more traction in this way.

Good luck on your journey!

Welcome to the BP community.

I picked up on your adjective, nice and hasten to warn you to do your due diligence.

The bottom line is that you must make this decision based on your head and not your heart.

On the other hand, you don't want to have your Aunt turn her wrath on you for miscalculation :-)

Good luck.

This deal sounds too good to be true. I suggest you engage your attorney before making any payouts, be they temporary or otherwise.

As you know, there are always two sides to a story.

@Stephanie Steenbuck

Welcome from afar!

You are in the right community that will help your get to the next level.

Below, are some basics that will get you going quickly.

Welcome to BiggerPockets, a place to interact with a vibrant REI group, learn the real estate business and language at near zero cost. It doesn't matter if you are young or old, totally new or need to build upon your experience.

Yes, you have just announced a commitment to the thousands in this community about

your seriousness regarding REI and have taken this bold step to affirm it.

Your time on this site and with the BiggerPockets community will be well spent and can be financially rewarding if you so desire.

You are here at the Forum, but, should raise your mouse to the top and explore the other

headings displayed.

Don't get overwhelmed by the massive amount of data archived on this site.

Simply, bone up on the areas that you need to expand knowledge in such as, Forums,

Marketplace, Learn, Network, Analyze, Resources.

Feast on the Podcasts, #askbp Podcasts, blogs, webinars and the myriad of book

recommendations.

Also, you can review the quick links below to help solidify your grip on this site.

• http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere
• Setting up Keyword Alerts
• How to Use @Mentions on BiggerPockets
• 25 Tips for Real Estate Success

After becoming more knowledgeable and confident because of my above suggestions,

take action to snag your first real estate investment deal if new or add to your

existing holdings if you have prior experience.

Don't get caught up in analysis paralysis.

You must immerse yourself in the RE marketplace locally in your neighborhood or afar if the situation warrants it.

Take calculated risks if needed and you shall be rewarded!

"Each step you take reveals a new horizon. You have taken the first step today. Now, I challenge you to take another." - Dan Poynter

Lastly, don't forget that we are here to help and likewise learn from your contributions. Good luck and happy investing, again, welcome aboard!

@Chris Miller

I lived in Beaverton, Oregon years ago and am familiar with your neck of the woods. I am sure it has transformed a lot.

Anyway, my advise is that you should revisit/rethink your decision to purchase homes at such a high price for rentals. Will the market/neighborhood generate the kind of rental income your have in mind? 

Compare that decision to purchasing homes at lower prices with the same rent payout.

You can use one of the tools such as www.rentometer.com to see what the rents will be in the areas you plan to focus on.

Don't forget, that these homes are not the ones you will be living in. You are only buying them for a business reason.

Good luck on your journey!

@Owen D.

Wow, that's a very hard triple blow to absorb.

But, the pain could have been tempered in my view,  if you had purchased home warranty service for each property.

I have this "insurance" at all my properties and in the event of an issue with any appliance, heating and/or AC I request a dispatch. If it's in the middle of winter and there is no heat or AC in the mid summer there is 4 hr dispatch window.

In the event the repairman is unable to fix the problem, they will replace the appliance or equipment.

Coupled with that there is only a $75 fee per call. This of course is for the vendor I use.

So, I suggest you look at this service to offset large future spending on similar issues and put a lid on those hefty expenses.

@Chance Cooper

First, thanks for your service.

I am extremely proud of your actions. You have a good story to tell and one that will serve as a baseline for others to emulate.

Yes, you made some mistakes initially. We all do. But, you recalibrated your compass and now your are headed in the right direction.

Good luck with your new deployment and you can definitely sleep better at nights, focus on your task at hand and look forward to a bright 2016.

@Matt Cramer

Well, it depends...

2 1/2 hrs away is not that far in my estimation. You could visit it once per quarter.

If the rent is sustainable for you to hold on to the property, you might want to keep it as a rental.

On the other hand if you don't have the wherewithal to manage it remotely, then, hang up and move on.

Ironically enough, one day you might reflect on that podcast and say if you had only adhered to it :-)

The bottom line is that there is no wrong or right answer to your question. You have to go with your gut feeling at times.

Good luck with your final decision.