All Forum Posts by: Paula McDonald

I owned a condo on Treasure Island directly on the Gulf before I was really "investing." Most condos along the beaches here in Pinellas (Dunedin & Clearwater South to Pass-A-Grille) have HOA's that have rental restrictions in place. It depends on building, management, area and more. My building had in-house property management and I had to give notice when I wanted to stay! Rentals were completely out of my control. I won't make that mistake again!

As for your 30 day minimum stay question, I would say yes, that would have an affect. Most vacationers stay a week or two. The 30 day + may have appeal to snowbirds that come down annually beginning in October and usually leave the end of March.  It truly depends on what/where specifically you're looking to invest, the location and what you want to accomplish. Any rental restrictions are something to take seriously prior to purchase. Hope this helps a bit

Congratulations!  Awesome work!

Hey Mark. I'm sure everyone will have their opinions but I'd recommend Bob Hogue. I've used them for education and all continued testing. I have no affiliation. Good luck. http://www.hogue-school.com/

@Dena Pike Drum welcome to both you and your husband!  The most difficult part is knowing where to begin so everything here on BP is insightful. I think getting pretty quick on the calculators is important because you're going to be running many, many properties.  It will get to the point where you can look at one and "almost know" numbers should fit.  It gets more streamlined the more times you do it.  There's so many different investment avenues so I agree with @Ayodeji Kuponiyi that picking a niche is important. If I can help, feel free to PM me.  

I'm going to say F is Foreclosure & S is Standard.  

Hi Dianna and welcome to BP!  

Having lived in Pinellas County for over 17 years, I know it very well. You're absolutely right that these areas are going up in price as is all of Tampa Bay.  I agree with Jeff "framed" homes, or wood in other words, are less desirable in most cases however, many flippers are grabbing them up in all areas because people are purchasing move-in ready deals right now because of the higher home prices.  As Jeff stated though, most times, these will add to your days on market.  I also agree that flood insurance is problematic to some buyers.  

Where you purchase is based on your investment amount and what specifically you're looking for. Buy/Hold, Multi-Family, Flip etc.  You can feel free to contactt me as well if you need any help!

Good luck!

Hey@David Oberlander. Thanks for the post.  Yes, buyers/renters beware with St. Petersburg & Tampa Craigslist ads.  As well, there's many rental properties, lease/options listed that want your life history prior to even giving you the address of the property.  Bottom line-if they can't give you an address for at minimum a drive by or hesitate about any information, don't deal with them and don't give them any of your information.  This is a recurring problem with craigslist

Hi @Janina Wozniak. Welcome to BP and feel free to get in touch if you need anything!

Hi Tom. There's no information on cost.  I'd like to go, learn and then would prefer the hand holding on the first deal and compensation after for education after.  Possibility of that? No harm in asking right?  Thanks

I just want to say as a Realtor, I understand most RE investors saying we just work in the retail market and most of us are only looking out for commissions. I see it all of the time and I get it.  All of us are in this RE game for our own purposes. I've gotten into the investing arena because I'm passionate about business in general. Real estate is a roller coaster ride whether you're an agent dealing in traditional sales, an agent focusing on investment properties such as myself or an investor w/out a license.  Yes, I work with investors however, I'm partnered so my skin is in the game and it's a win-win all the way around.  So@RickPozos, in most cases you're right about agents that focus on commissions, as well as being absolutely right about deals in this current market not being in the retail arena.  As is why education in lead generation, creativity and pure diligence will get you everywhere whether an agent, investor or both!  Man, I love this forum!