All Forum Posts by: Nancy Brook

It could be a good investment area. Some questions to ask yourself. What is the price of the house plus remodeling cost? What do comparable houses sell for? What is the rent in the area? What will your monthly cash flow be with expenses? What statistics can you find on the neighborhood? School ratings, crime rate, % renters vs owners, %increase of value in homes in area. There are more questions to ask but these can get you started. Come back with answers and we can help you more. You definitely don't any to be in a war zone. A C neighborhood with potential to improve is an OK idea as long as you are making a good return on your investment.

It could be a good investment area. Some questions to ask yourself. What is the price of the house plus remodeling cost? What do comparable houses sell for? What is the rent in the area? What will your monthly cash flow be without expenses? What statistics can you find on the neighborhood? School ratings, crime rate, % renters vs owners, %increase of value in homes in area. There are more questions to ask but these can get you started. Come back with answers and we can help you more. You definitely don't any to be in a war zone. A C neighborhood with potential to improve is an OK idea as long as you are making a good return on your investment.

Thanks, Kevin. We have found a property manager but will keep RL in mind should we need an alternative. 

Steve, Donny was outstanding. Thanks again!

I'm no expert rehabber, but from my experience in repairing my own rentals, I'd be concerned with unexpected things once digging into an old house. Joe is right; the market will speak. If you don't have a buyer's list, you can get the house under contract and advertise on Craigslist. 

I post ads in Craigslist. I tell the interested people that I do an application, check references and credit and do a background check. That self eliminates the ones with issues. When I get a qualified applicant, my main focus is on confirming employment and salary, checking references and talking to previous landlords. I've had good luck using this approach. 

Awesome! Thank you, Steve. 

Hi all - I'm looking for recommendations on a property manager and a handyman in Columbus, Ohio. We are here right now and would love to make connections with some people. Thanks in advance! 

Hi all - I'm looking for recommendations on a property manager and a handyman in Columbus, Ohio. We are here right now and would love to make connections with some people. Thanks in advance! 

I buy properties in other states. Google maps and Zillow are your friends. I "drive" down neighborhoods using Google maps. Then I check out housing value to get a sense of prices using Zillow. If you don't know the area, I'd suggest a trip out there to set up your team. A property manager, a contractor, a realtor are all part of the equation. If you will self manage, you may want to find a handy guy and a plumber to support you. Good luck!