All Forum Posts by: Mogen Keene

Thanks everyone for the great advise, really appreciate it! I feel better hearing that people who have been doing this a long time have only had this happen rarely, I wasn't sure how common they were. In the short time I have been doing this, I have certainly been learning that I have to just roll with the punches, try not to get too stressed when something goes wrong. 

Have also heard about the free vacation tactic, hope it never happens, but I guess got to give them some points for creativity, lol

Would love the advise of other STR owners on bedbug prevention. We have a STR in the Smokies and I don't know if I want to just risk dealing with it if the problem arises. I have read about the huge hassle they are to get rid of, plus the loss of rent and potential bad reviews.

I have received very affordable quotes for spraying monthly and more costly quotes for quarterly heat treatments, with different opinions on what is best. Curious to know what others in the area are doing. Thanks in advance!

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and advice on getting an agent. Now it's the hunt to find one experienced with investors and willing to work with a new investor from out of area!

@Elizabeth Colegrove Enjoyed listening to your podcast the other day, loved the tip about looking at the elementary schools to get a good read on the neighborhoods. It was nice to hear someone talking about investing out of area. The podcasts are great, somehow it makes things more concrete than reading a book or article.

Hello,

My name is Mogen Keene, I actually live in a very small town in southeast Iowa, but due to lack of inventory my husband and I are looking to invest nearby in the Cedar Rapids area. 

We are looking to start with fix and flips (as my husband is a contractor) and then buy some rental properties. We have been working on some pre-foreclosures, but have not had any luck with them going anywhere.

I have been reading the BP articles and forums for months now and realized I might learn more if I join in!

Our New Years resolution is that we can close on our first investment property in the next few months!

Can anyone give a recommendation about whether or not to use a real estate agent when looking to invest in an area that you don't live? We live about an hour away, but are not familar with neighborhoods etc.

Thanks for the great site!