All Forum Posts by: Dumitru Anton

@Jay Hinrichs, 

<off-topic> sometimes is hard to convene something over "dry" internet communication. 

i would read it as: me and Wendell were raised in cultures where OLD meant respect based on experience/knowledge earned with time</off-topic>.

@Robert Obniski,

good job on both flips (don't worry about second one, experience is earned, you're not born with it...)

now, since you're looking to flip in DuPage, i suppose you already have contractor accounts with home depot/menards/hobo/sherwin wiliams/ben monroe...

...and @Brie Schmidt (who already posted here) is one of the organizers of the Chicago area meetup....

hehe, nice thread.

now beside the already suggested minivan (last year chrysler/dodge had a brand new dodge caravan AVP a more "base-model" for around 17-19k + title+registration+dealer fees)

-ford freestyle (if CVT transmission doesn't hit you with the 4k-7k repair/replacement)

-ford taurus X

-ford taurus wagon (fleet-use/maintained 2001-2004)

-ford focus wagon(2005-2007)

-ford transit (they could "eat" a whole pallet)

-dodge magnum (the wagon, not the truck)

-mazda5

-chevy hhr

-if diesel: jetta wagon diesel or passat diesel (with the even rarer stickshift and large gas reservoir  conversion you could get 1,000+ miles per diesel tank); good diesel and vw mechanics in the close area mandatory!

-the old pre '95 honda accord and toyota camry wagons.

-scion xB (2008 and up)

-older volvos wagons (240/840)

-(and based on the AWD vans) astro chevy conversion van... with captain chairs

-and of course the old wood panel/8 seater/could fit 4x8 drywal sheets in the back/"your-granpas-chevy-chase-family-vacation-wagon"

yes, i'm kind of onto wagons, but it's basically a car/truck with a roof....

@Steven Maduro,

i think there is someone on the diY threads where they consolidated the ikea cabinets (plywood top and bottom to make the boxes sturdier for granite on top)

google for hi-end kitchen with ikea cabinets

also look for RTA (ready-to-assemble) cabinets: usually they are plywood with wood-fronts.

search a distributor in your area. or a small mom-and pop shop that just had a custom order cancelled...

also check craigslist in your area: maybe somebody just remodeled their kitchen...

...also you can get a few older furnitures, remodel them like a certain "lazy landlord" vanity and have some chic kitchen like no other.... :-P

sorry, my google fu is off today:

http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/1912...

http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/1542...

@ Neil G. and @Mindy Jensen

i think there was a recent thread where they (HUD) indirectly connected language with ethnicity.

some thread about renting to parents with absolutely no english communication whit translation being handled by a child or friend, not official translator...

@Dean Klein, 

since the owner has been in the area for so long, i would chat with him if he can recommend you some local vetted tradesmen/handyman.

there is a very fine line between "there's the new guy, lets get some money from him" and "there's the new guy, i want to work with him, he's a good guy".

also, score the BP for the sub30k threads or how to harden my rentals. this may or may be not a full-time "job".

remember, even in bad areas, people want nice things. look for "lazy landlord" series and @Steve Maduro as a start.

@Dean Klein,

please go to the nearest police station and if they like to talk, check what security firm has best relation with them and the activity in the area surrounding your target block.

i think ADT will lock you into a 3 years contract, but they are a few other alternatives, wireless based, which you can move/install yourself. sorry my mind is gone today so no link/name.

go to the local church on Sunday or check with the most involved neighbor on the block.

maybe they are initiatives on the way like installing a city/semi-private camera  or neighborhood watch committee.

maybe check with local police/firestation, maybe a recent rookie/hire needs a place.

but on the lines of what @Al Williamson, said you are not a slumlord,

you are offering nice affordable housing in a working neighborhood. so show that you belong there, be respectful, and walk with no fear and with a purpose. "they" will feel that.

Continuous success.

P.S. if you have are not RE experienced or in the trades, get a friend to check the house with you so you can plan your first year "get-up-to-renting" expenses.

@Scott Weaner,

yes you are correct. they need Municipal/city water. also thanks for putting one name brand out. i just knew they existed (and the're not cheap, but neither water damage)

i think they use 2-3 gallons for each gallon they "water-sump-pump" out.