All Forum Posts by: Ric Ernst

I hate to say it but this is part of the game and you might be better off just letting it go and moving on. I'm going to make an assumption that, since this is a duplex, it is not a higher end property with a high earning tenant. Sure you might have some legal recourse but is it worth the time and expense? And, is it worth the emotions and frustration that go with the fight? If they abandoned your property, they are probably going to be difficult to find. If you do find them, lawyers, courts, etc all cost money and, even if you actually got a judgment, you'd probably have to pay a collection agency a percentage to collect pennies on the dollar. You certainly should document everything but then get it cleaned up and turn it over and be diligent screening your next tenant. And, of course, the clean up and repairs are all losses that you can claim on your taxes.

@Mike Day I've run into this when refinancing a few of my Indy properties and, in my case at least, a good clean up with paint or primer and a couple hundred dollars to send my inspector out to take photos and write a short letter stating that the problem has been remedied satisfied underwriters. They are just checking the boxes so if they see anything that is flagged, you simply need to follow up in good faith.

@Rizwan H. can't speak to the mold issue but Hocker Law is one of the better known law firms that specializes in real estate.

@Bill Thach I'll DM a recommendation to you.

@Neil Buettner I just sent you a PM with a recommendation. Good luck!

@Shawn York I would keep that as part of any new leases regardless. The form is simple and not onerous and could end up being required again as they sort it out.

@Jaret Lara I would definitely consider Riverside a buy and hold area. Property values are not increasing nearly as much as other areas.

By the way....my first rental property was just over the border from Spokane on Hauser Lake.

@David Marroquin this is probably one of the most common questions posted on BP. Do a search and you'll see plenty of feedback. You'll get better recommendations if you would share what sort of property you have. There are good fits for high-end properties which would not be of use to a C or D class property owner, there are Section 8 specialists and there are managers who primarily manage C class properties, etc. I can't help you if you are A class but feel free to PM me if you are investing in more blue collar areas and want a recommendation.

@Jaret Lara I have property all over the metro area and really wouldn't consider any better or worse than others unless we qualified them with specific criteria. In fact, I'd suggest that Riverside or points west or southwest of there might be a good place to start out if you can find the right deals as the prices have not risen quite as much as they have in other areas.