All Forum Posts by: Ryan Billingsley

@Account Closed   I agree, happy tenant equals a happy landlord!  This is our first 2 rental properties so we are excited to join the landlord community!

The flooring in the houses consist of cheap carpet and vinyl flooring.  So it is cheap to replace or fix.

@Account Closed   Thanks for the great reply! 

I can see the benefits to both sides. 

We are closing on two properties next week.  The owner has just informed us "they" turned the utilities off and wanted to know if we wanted to have them turned on in our name.  Is this normal to have the utilities switched over before the closing day?!?  IMO I feel that we should wait till the closing is complete and the properties are officially in our name.  For the seasoned investor, is this a normal situation to have?  Also the temps will be in the low teens and 20s this weekend with a chance of snow.  It could be dangerous to let the house get down to those temps.  Pipes could freeze!  What would you do in this situation?

@Victoria Winters   The point of charging more is not directed at the renter being more responsible.  It is related to the risk damage from the animal costing the landlord more money to repair once the renter moves out.  Plus since renting a property is considered a business, it is a opportunity for the business to be more profitable.  But it will also take on more risk.

We have them on gosection8.com  and craigslist so far.  we were also considering using vflyer.com .  Has anyone used that site?

@Bob Hines   Thanks!

We currently are closing on two properties to be held as rentals.  We currently are using craigslist to advertise for potential renters.  We are located in the St. Louis metro area.  What other sites are good to advertise our properties as rentals?

@Paul S.   I know not all pets will destroy a rental property.  I own 2 dogs and go the extra mile to clean up after them.  We have a yellow lab that sheds terrible and drools so we are constantly cleaning up after him.  I guess the benefit is if you get a tenant that takes care of your rental and cleans up after their pet it can generate you extra money each month!

We have one potential renter who qualifies for section 8.  She works so she qualifies for only 300 in section 8 assistance and would have to pay the remaining rent of 450.  She has three small kids.