All Forum Posts by: Robert Curls

HI @Glen S. 

I was born, raised, and still reside in the Clearwater area (just moved to Tarpon Springs).  I own 4 rental properties all of which are in Clearwater.  While I don't have any experience owning mobile homes, I'd be happy to discuss anything and everything about the area.

Mobiles are popular with seniors and snow birds in the area.  I can't recall ever seeing a 55+ park in the area that isn't in great shape.  Some of the family parks can be a little run down (good opportunity).  This is just my opinion but I wouldn't think you'd have a great demand of people wanting to bring their own new mobile into a park, but I would think there's demand to buy a nice home that is already installed and ready to occupy. 

I know that one of the parks off of Gulf to Bay is going to be torn down and they are planning on building a townhouse community (its right on the water). So that will displace about 100 residents in the very near future. Most of the homes in that park though I believe are rented (and rather old).

If there is anything I can help you with please let me know, I'd be happy to drive by and be your eyes / ears.

Welcome @Arthur Pujols 

BP is a great community loaded with information.  Check out the ultimate beginers guide and listen to every podcast.  I've listened to most of them twice.

Also @Doug Merriott hosts a monthly meetup that is mostly BP community members.  Its the first or second Sunday of the month at the countryside library.  I highly recommend going.

@Amanda Sutherlin I've got to know, were you able to work this out? or is it still pending?

Just sent you a private message with a guy I've used recently.  Did good work for the price.

Welcome @Jennifer Talcott I'm over in Pinellas.  You should meet @Doug Merriott He hosts a local meetup that many local folks from BiggerPockets attend.  He's very active so he'll give the details soon.

Hi @Marcus Johnson I've across the bay from you in Pinellas.  There are a few other networking / meetings that I'm aware of

Larry Harbolt has a meeting every Monday night at 6 at the Hibachi Grill in Pinellas Park (corner of Park Blvd and 49th St

There is an exchangers meeting that meets every Thursday morning at 9am at the Denny's on 34th street in St Pete

Both of these are on meetup.com and are associated with TBREIA

Also, @Doug Merriott puts together a meetup on the first or second Sunday of every month at the Countryside library.  That group is predominantly BP members.  I like to attend but I've been a slacker the last few months due to renovations I've been working on.  Hope to see you at one of them.

Hi @Rebecca Peters I was actually in a similar situation.  I rented a short term rental (7 months) in Dunedin this year, as I wanted to rent the home that I owned and wanted to be in a position to act when I found the next home that I wanted to purchase.  The owners of the home that I rented rent their home every year (for the last 3 years) for the summer months while they come down in January and enjoy Florida for 5 months.  I found a tenant for my home that I rented out on a 7 month lease (in case things didn't work out).  The home that I rented was furnished, and right near downtown, and had views of the water.  So it was very desirable.

While its possible, I think I'd have to side with  @Elizabeth Colegrove , that if you do decide to go through with this, a vacation rental would probably be a better solution.  Especially if the condo was in a desirable area. (disclaimer, I'm not a tax professional) Also if you do plan on renting it out, I've heard that if you lease for less than 6 months you have to account for similar taxes that Hotels generally are susceptible to (bed tax).  You'd want to consult a tax professional for advice on that.

Good luck

Is it just me or did that landlord look like @Brandon Turner ?  Everyone knows he does his own PM. :)

Thanks @Curt Davis 

 He had actually moved out and was renting it to another party.  When that third party stopped paying he couldn't afford to make the mortgage.  I was able to catch him up (only a few payments behind) fix some minor cosmetics and then I'll have a sandwiched lease.  The stipulations are that I pay the mortgage company directly, once I'm paid back from the proceeds of the rents then we split the proceeds.  After 5 years we evaluate the market and sell.  There is risk in that I've said that I'l make sure the mortgage gets paid but the reward is worth it in my eyes.

Hello BP

I'm happy to announce that I just acquired door number 4.  I've gone from 0 to 4 in the last 7 months and I have BP to thank for inspiring and educating me along the way.  The latest asset is an even better story because I was able to save a long time family friend from foreclosure.  I had originally talked with him several months ago about my real estate ambitions and when he ran into financial difficulties he called to seek counsel.  I was able to help him out and take a loooonnnggg term lease and option.  I know some on BP would say that this is risky, and I wouldn't have done this deal had I not known the owner, but ultimately it is a win - win as it is a nice, solid home in a good neighborhood where I already own another home.  Now that I have my 4 little green houses I'll be looking to trade up to my red hotel.  

Heres to playing monopoly.