All Forum Posts by: Long H.

 This is a hypothetical, albeit a real situation that people who were close to me had to deal with. It seems to me that the best way for this is to have properly screen the tenant. However I think that can only prevent so much.

This is in regards to tenants who deliberately trash, wreck, damage, etc your property before they leave (whether it’s because of eviction, unable to pay rent, etc…).

I have personally seen this happen to a friends and family members who failed to properly screen their tenant, had a inexperienced PM, and lowballed the rent. The tenant caused +20k in damage to the house (holes were made, appliances were destroyed, wires were ripped, pipes were broken, etc…) and were forced to sell the house “as is” to try to recoup their losses. 

Is there anything that can be done to the tenants if try/decide to trash and dash?

I’m looking to house hack, and have been exploring the option of buying a new build duplex over an older build.

I know the new build duplex will easily appreciate, is in a new subdivision and will save me cost of rehabbing for at least 5 or so years. But conversely it is going to cost more than an older build.

The older duplex is closer to a college downtown area, already has a tenant, was recently rehabbed, and is cheaper than the new build. However it is in a flood zone, the property value has dropped but has been on the market for almost 60 days (possible red flag). 

Both duplexes have seemingly have pros and cons that counter each other out. I am leaning more towards the new build, but I am also tempt to buy the older build as it seems to be a done deal. Thoughts? 

Potentially morbid albeit serious question(s), 

How does death of any kind (ie: illness, homicide, etc.) on a property affect it’s value? I understand that some states have or don’t have laws that require disclosure of death on a property.

Additionally, if a property was once the site of illicit drug use (ie: a meth house/lab) but is a good deal would it be worth the rehab?  

Lastly if the numbers work but there is a death/ drug use on the property… would you still buy it?