All Forum Posts by: Patrick M.

 @Joe Splitrock do you mind sharing your four questions? Thank you 

I've actually had a really good first experience and it has had the opposite affect.  I'm worried that I'll have so many headaches on the next property or with tenants that it will sour my experience.

I also get hung up not looking at the big picture in that houses are just inventory like anything else.  You want that inventory because it's hard to come by (at least right now).  As far as tenants go we took our time and found good ones, and that's repeatable.  It's been just over a year since I bought my first property and tenants are still in place and good people.  Time to find the next property and push forward! 

@Mark S. thanks. I want to be proactive and encourage them to take care of the property. Accidents happen that are cosmetic, like your dishwasher, for example so they do need to know they’ll be liable when the time comes. 

@Tim Herman this is exactly my point.  My tenant has been paying on time and no other problems to note besides the counter top.  (It doesn't affect the usability however, it will need to be replaced when they move out)

To me it's something that I will address when their lease is up, however it seems like I should make them aware that I know about it and tell them to be more careful.

It is also something that I don't want them "fixing or repairing" themselves so a notice to cure doesn't solve any problems and I'm not interested in evicting a tenant over a minor accident. 

@Nicole Heasley Beitenman how do you take care of/address items that aren't normal wear and tear that come up during your visits?  More cosmetically related. 

@Tim Herman a counter top was gouged from their move in.  Its documented with photos and receipts that the counters tops are brand new.  That would NOT be normal wear and tear. However am I going to halt everything right then and there and replace the counter top and drop them a bill?  

I don't think you need to be a qualified plumber to see if a sink is leaking by looking under a cabinet. I did have and HVAC pro out to clean and inspect the systems in the fall. 

Since you inspect your property once a year I'm assuming that if there are 3 holes in the wall, a broken door, and gouged floors you just address it all at that time? 

I'm trying to assess things quicker than that to keep my place in good shape and train the tenants, rather than get a surprise in 12 months. 

I have a SFR in a B class neighborhood, my first property. Wondering how often you check-on/walk through/inspect your properties after they are rented? My tenants have been in there about 3 months. I have noticed some scratches/gouges when I have been in the property, briefly to drop off forms, etc.

If you see cosmetic damage do you address it right away? How do you go about getting it repaired and paid for? 

What is the best way to check on the systems, like plumbing etc?

Update: House rented for 1850. 

Plenty learned on this first property. 

1. Although 4bd/2.5ba house layout not as familiar as most ranch homes in the area. 

2.  Rent range of 1600-1800 would be more comfortable for quicker turn.

3.  Buy with 1-2 rehab projects not 7-10. 

4.  Check all the details: electric service panel labeled, reset garage keypad, etc.

@Dan H. thanks for your post.  I can't believe how small of a returned app number comes across.  I am definitely happy that I have changed that part of my process.  It's also reassuring to find out others have a lot of withdraws or backouts.

When I rented I always seemed to have my paperwork ready to go and wanted to be in.  I was serious and only considered places I could afford and liked. I haven't come across that as often as I would like on the landlord side of things.  Hopefully the tide will turn.  I need to add the sign in sheet.  That's a good idea.