All Forum Posts by: Jamal L.

@Yawo Akoussah

Hey Yawo, there are a plethora of tools you can use to determine how much and what type of crime are in certain areas. One tool is Trulia. Look up the crime report.  It allows you to gage just exactly what is happening and where. Baltimore is a very hit or miss kinda city. You can pick a great block in a somewhat not so desirable  neighborhood and get a grand slam. It definitely depends on a few variables. One of the most crucial factors to me when Im assessing a property is the traffic on the block. You want to make sure there aren't any street pharmacist giving out persciptions on or at the corner of your block. But it is perfectly feasible to get a good deal in that zip code.  I bought a property in the 21223 not to long ago and around the corner there is an open market with street pharmacist doing what they do. However the property has produced handsomely and I stand to make at least 60k after cashflowing for a few years.  It's all about your ability to assess the hidden values and capitalize off of them. People have to live everywhere. And It's not as dangerous as some may perceive. I have a few properties in the 21216 and I haven't been in not one altercation yet. 

@Silvia Sun

Despite popular belief Baltimore is a great place to invest. There are tools that can give you a detailed view of where crime is most prevalent (Trulia is one of them). I invest in Baltimore because the of returns particularly. Baltimore/Md has to be within the top 5 Cities and states the are giving the most return on the dollar. When you analyze the rent rate and housing prices it begins to be a clear distinction as to why a lot of investors buy here despite the crime and favorable tenant laws. These drawbacks do exist, but every investment has its amount of risk. It's up to the investor to do there due diligence to mitigate those risk in order to capitalize off of any investment equation. Baltimore is no different! as the saying goes Scared Money Don't Make No Money.....

@Dakota Lawhorn

 From my experience I know that a house can be flipped in just about any area in Baltimore City. It would depend on who the target audience is. Some flippers buy houses exclusively in urban areas where the prices are cheapest. Then renovate and sell to buy and hold Landlords as Turnkey Properties. Sometimes they even go as far as placing tenants in the property to make it more of an incentivized purchase for a landlord. These properties may not appreciate well. But they cash flow rather handsomely which makes the purchase attractive. So in other words it would depend on who your audience is for the flip that would determine if its a good purchase or not. 

@Reco Collins 

I would imagine they would as circumstances change as well. I can't say for certain but I would call down the zoning office at 417 E. Fayette st. to confirm. Ms. Katrice should be able to assist you in that matter. 

@Gina Smith 

Welcome Gina, we are glad you stopped lurking and decided to share your wealth of knowledge with us. Congrats on your first post. This is a great place to network and learn what you thought you already knew...lol... Looking forward to hearing from you in the forums Ms. Landlady...

@Reco Collins  

1.) Yes permits expire (as Greg mentioned) in Baltimore City. 

2.) You need to renew the permits. If you complete the work with out a permit you run the chance of being fined (If an inspector catches you) and the city puts a stop work order on the property until you get a permit pulled. The Chances of being fined are greater than others in different parts of the city. I would suggest getting the permits because (depending on your exit strategy) 1.)  it shows the buyer that all renovations were made according to City code which gives them a sense of assurance before purchasing. 2.) It is noted with in the system and can raise the properties value as far as assessments go. 

@Trenton Thorne Jr. 

Yup I have one that can take care of minor repairs and one that can knock just about anything out. Pm for there number 

@Shepard Solomon Take a trip down to 417 E. Fayette st. Depending on what type of project you are doing in reference to renovations they should guide you in the right direction. If it has anything to do with rezoning talk to Katrice in the zoning department she's very knowledgeable and helpful. 

@Guy Francois

Hey Guy yes I have a very dependable CG who is very meticulous when it comes to flips.