All Forum Posts by: Robert Norris

Hey everyone, I'm the chief technology officer of BiggerPockets. I appreciate everyone's feedback here. I want you to know that we're listening, and I apologize that recent changes did not improve your experience in using the forums. We have a major new design in the works that incorporates much of your feedback and that I think you'll love. We're shooting to have it released at the end of the second quarter. In the meantime, I appreciate your patience. Also, if you're willing to be interviewed by our product team and test out our new design, please DM me. Thanks everyone.

Hi everyone. I'm thinking of buying my first rental property. I'm wondering whether I should contact a national carrier (e.g., Allstate) or one of their agents, or go with an independent agent. (For what it's worth, the property is in rural Minnesota, near Mankato.) I know not all agents and not all carriers are the same when it comes to understanding the insurance needs of RE investors. Do folks here have thoughts on:

1. Specific RE-focused insurance agents vs. any ol' agent will do

2. Specific carriers that have done well for RE or conversely those that don't (e.g., carriers that perhaps avoid non-owner-occupied properties)

3. Is there value in having one agent for all my investments, or should I go with the best local agent in each case

4. Does it make sense for a RE-focused insurance agent to also handle my personal lines (e.g., my personal auto), or should I keep them separate

Sorry such a complicated question. I'm really just looking for open-ended advice on where to start once I'm ready to cover my first property. Thanks in advance for your help.

Rob

@Andy Webb - Yeah, Mile Hi is where I've jumped, mostly. Also there's a new-ish, more laid back DZ called Orange Skies in Fort Morgan. I'm recovering from shoulder surgery so I won't be jumping for awhile but I can hook you up with some talented fun jumpers here if you're looking for a speed star.

@Andy Webb - Can I join your club of real estate investors who skydive? I'm not as good as you, but I've still got several hundred jumps. Aren't speed stars the best?!

The BiggerPockets platform is built primarily on the Ruby on Rails web application framework. Thank you for your question, Ganesh.

Rob