All Forum Posts by: Mike Wall

To all my BP family, I've been away for a bit. To those who've been trying to reach me and I've been unresponsive, you have my sincerest apologies. You see, back in March, I tested positive for Covid-19 and had probably had it for a bit before being diagnosed, because I had my first covid shot the week before my symptoms got pretty bad. That said, the fatigue element I had been feeling before that and in hindsight realize it was my first symptom. I cannot even begin to explain that fatigue. It is like nothing I've ever experienced in my life.

The point of this post, however, is not to lament my woes or even go on a deep dive about how much Covid sucked (because it was pretty awful). It's merely to apologize for my absence. One of the things I love about BP and the community as a whole is how much we are here for each other and here to help each other. I'm a big fan of a life of cheerful service to others. Some of my fellow Scouters out there may recognize that statement. In short, it is true.

I just want folks to know I'm back and more determined than ever to succeed as both a Real Estate Investor and Realtor/Broker. If you are in the Triangle Area of NC and there's ever anything I can do for you, please reach out. Look out world, I'm back! :-)

I'll second this advice. I'll add on that TREIA is a great place to start. The one thing to be cautious of is the "educational opportunities". Aka, buying some program from a "guru". Some of those programs are legit, but they are few and far in between. Unfortunately, I learned that lesson the hard way.

TREIA does have a practical experience program for both wholesaling and for doing rehabs, but they are not inexpensive. However, they are very hands on. In other words, you actually do a deal in both. This is a great way to get REAL, "safe" experience and to grow your credibility as an investor which opens the door to more lending opportunities (think private money lenders). It also is an incredible networking opportunity to boot. Full disclosure, I am a member of TREIA and led the new investors subgroup in the past, but that was several years ago. I'm just a member now who volunteers there occasionally. I have no vested interest beyond my membership, but I will say the organization has helped me tremendously. I hope this helps!

@John Baker, I'd love to hear more about your hard money lending experience. Maybe we could chat offline. Mostly though I want to say congratulations on your first and more importantly SUCCESSFUL flip! Well Done and I'm happy for you!

@Remington Lyman i agree completely. It also allows you to do whats best for the seller.

Worth studying the 18 year real estate cycle: https://www.cato.org/publicati...

Glad I could help. I've known Jim Minor of Ball and Minor for years. His son and mine were in Boy Scouts together. He's good people.

Originally posted by @Andrew Cordle:

@Bill Sargeson

Replacing the window with glass block window with a vent maybe the easiest option for you. Like the other guys stated above. 

The other idea is to close off the window completely. I am not sure what your outside texture is some are easier than others. Such as Vinyl Siding or Hardiplank, of course brick is a lot more difficult to match. 

So at the end of the day there is really only two options:

1. Glassblock Window 

2. Close it off and redo the outside

Hope that helps.

Andrew

PS If you want to see a full bathroom rehab with the SKUs from HD for a glasblock window you can search a old forum post of mine titled:

LOOK! Bathroom Rehab pics & SKUs! - Merriville, IN

 I'll second this as the two best actions.