All Forum Posts by: Ed Osowski

Sure thing, good luck.

Probably a good call. 

Just FYI- if the most recent maintenance was done 8 years ago you should still take a close look. Depending on your climate, 8 years is a long time to go without maintenance. Especially if you get any sort of snow, ice, or wind. A slate roof can often last 100+ years but it does require occasional maintenance.

If you're dealing with a big, old house there may be some sort of trap door in the attic that will allow you to take a look at the roof. Otherwise, just put a ladder up at the eaves. Alternatively, take a look from the ground with some binoculars. 

If you see missing or broken slates then you can call a roofer. A simple repair might only cost a few hundred dollars. Just make sure that they don't use any sort of silicone,  roofer's cement, or similar sticky stuff to make the repair.

Hey David,

I've never flipped a slate roof but I have some experience with them. Long story short, the roof can probably be repaired unless the slates are worn out. Slate roofs are very modular. Unlike an asphalt roof, slate roofing systems can be taken apart, repaired, and put back together using any original, undamaged materials.

The biggest issue with slate these days is finding a slater. Few roofers do quality slate work. Your best bet is probably to find an older roofer as they are more likely to have experience with slate. I'd look for a slater to give you a quote on a repair before you decide anything.

For me, it comes down to cost. If the roof is badly damaged or worn out then I would replace it with asphalt. A brand new asphalt roof can easily be cheaper than major repairs to a slate roof. 

Another thing to consider is local attitudes towards slate. Some people love it, some people hate it. The only way to know is to ask around. 

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Thanks @Dmitriy Fomichenko 

Oh yeah, it was great. I'd never worked in sales before but it's a pretty easy gig when half the city needs roofing. 

One of my dad's slate roofs was totaled by the insurance company. Hope the repairs go well for you.

@jondeavers thanks, I'll get it touch. Always interested to connect with a local.

@aaronmontague thanks to you, too. You'll appreciate this- I spent the summer selling roofs in Rutland. 

Hello BP,

I'm not precisely a new member as I've been lurking for a few months without introduction. That said, I recently went full-time in real estate and I figured I should say hi.

I am originally from Vermont, moved to Virginia for law school. Actually, I had never been to Virginia until I got off the plane a few days before school started. It worked out great though, made a bunch of friends and I love it here.

I also lucked into an internship with a local buy and hold investor during my third year of law school. I've heard a few podcasts mention that the best thing a new investor can do is find a mentorship/apprenticeship situation so I am very grateful that I took the job.

Long story short, I was just hired as the acquisitions manager for the same firm I worked with during school. The office staff is intentionally small so I get to be a part of everything from direct mail to raising money. Looking forward to learning a lot at work and on BP.

-Ed

College kids. Advertise with real estate clubs or via the career services website. Conduct interviews to find enthusiastic applicants. Young people are quick to hope and will work hard for the prospect of future pay. That said, don't screw them. If you find a productive bird dog, pay them well and hold on to them as long as you can.

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