All Forum Posts by: Madeline Burke

Something that took me a while to figure out and might help you is to write out some lists before you get started. That way instead of inventing a system as things present themselves you will have thought through things like: What are my criteria for a renter, How do I want to be contacted in what situations, Who are my maintenance and emergency vendors, What tasks can free tools streamline for me/What can I automate

For example I use google calendar to remind me to drop my renters a line quarterly to see how they're doing and if they need anything.

@Cassidy Burns I agree with the advice to research free PM software first. The race is currently on between software companies offering professional services to individual landlords for free. I am confident that you can find something that works perfectly for you free.

(Full disclosure: I work for one of those companies but we are not the only option on the market.)

@Peter LaBanca Welcome to the forum! the podcasts are the best! 

I recently defected from Quincy to Northern CO and don't envy your commute - glad you found a way to make it useful! :)

@Wendell De Guzman I never thought about this option! Thank you for the coherent and comprehensive breakdown

@Daniel J.

Thank you for asking this question! I have been learning a lot from the discussion it provoked.

Here is a great guide that BP put together about tenant screening https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/2...

(full disclosure: I work for a company that does screens)

@Michaela G. what a nightmare! Thanks for keeping us posted, I'm learning a lot. 

Your artists' community sounds like paradise. 

I recommend pre-fab. It is lower maintenance, easier to clean, and way easier to replace down the line.

Welcome! I am sure you will find BP as supportive and informative as I have!

Welcome @Richy Rose you are in the right place! I am pretty new too and I started listening to the BP podcasts during my commute, strongly recommend :)