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All Forum Posts by: Roland S.

Roland S. has started 20 posts and replied 49 times.

Post: How to value a property without MLS access?

Roland S.Posted
  • Lender
  • Austin, TX
  • Posts 57
  • Votes 14

@Robert Schulz I think this is prob the way im gonna go. I've already started talking to someone about that. Thx Robert!

@Sushil Gupta Hey, I’ve been there—bank limits (like BOFA or Citi’s 4-10 financed property caps) can stall growth fast. Many investors turn to hard money lenders or private money for additional properties—faster, no bank restrictions, but rates (10-15%) and points (2-5%) are higher than conventional mortgages (3-7%). Portfolio lenders or local credit unions sometimes offer alternatives with better terms if you’ve got strong cash flow. 

@Melissa Johnstone Hey, I feel you—California's market can be brutal! Mobile homes in parks or manufactured homes on land are smart moves to keep costs low while staying flexible. In parks, look for low lot rents ($500-$1,000/mo) and well-maintained communities in your target area—check LoopNet or local listings for deals. For land + manufactured home, focus on rural or semi-rural areas two hours from your city; land can be $20K-$100K, with homes starting at $50K. Factor in setup costs and permits. With your rental income, a hard money or FHA loan could minimize payments.

Post: Another record setting February.....

Roland S.Posted
  • Lender
  • Austin, TX
  • Posts 57
  • Votes 14

@Kenny Smith wow, i have some friends in that area and they've been telling me the same stuff: very expensive, hot market.

@Noel Alvarez Cool story! Welcome to BP!

Post: How to value a property without MLS access?

Roland S.Posted
  • Lender
  • Austin, TX
  • Posts 57
  • Votes 14

@Andrew Syrios i did think about that but TX has absurd requirements. basically making it not worth it unless you are a full-time realtor.

Post: Self Manage Long Term or Hiring Out Short Term

Roland S.Posted
  • Lender
  • Austin, TX
  • Posts 57
  • Votes 14

@Tom Grieshammer Hey, great savings at 26—solid start! For duplexes in Cleveland Heights/Lakewood, long-term rentals self-managed could maximize your profit-to-effort ratio, especially with $120K. You’d likely net $300-$500/month per unit after expenses, and managing them yourself (even part-time) fits your schedule better than short-term rentals’ demands. Check local rents (Zillow, Rentometer) and cap rates—Cleveland’s market favors long-term stability. If time’s tight, hire a manager later as your portfolio grows. Start small, focus on cash flow, and reinvest to hit early retirement. Good Luck!

Check out this short post about why a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment is important and what to watch out for as a Real Estate Investor, Developer, Rehabber, etc.

@Thomas Di Gennaro For Town of Brookhaven and Town of Huntington, the key is knowing where to look since it’s a mix of public info and some legwork. Here’s what’s worked for me:

For Brookhaven, start with the official town website (brookhavenny.gov). They don’t always post a flashy “Upcoming Auctions” banner, but check the “News” or “Public Notices” sections—sometimes surplus or impound auctions (like vehicles) get announced there. The real goldmine, though, is calling their Call Center at 631-451-TOWN (8696). Ask for the General Services or Highway Department; they handle stuff like impounded cars or equipment auctions. I’ve found staff will point you to Auctions International (auctionsinternational.com), where Brookhaven often lists surplus sales—think dirt bikes, trucks, etc. It’s free to browse, but you register to bid.

For Huntington, it’s similar. Their site (huntingtonny.gov) under “Departments” (like Purchasing or General Services) occasionally lists surplus auctions. They also use Auctions International a lot—search “Town of Huntington” there, and you’ll see past and upcoming sales (e.g., fleet vehicles). Call 631-351-3000 and ask for Purchasing—they’ll confirm what’s current or direct you to the auction platform.

Now, foreclosure auctions are a different beast for both towns. These happen through Suffolk County Supreme Court, not the towns directly. Go to nycourts.gov, hit “E-Courts,” then “WebCivil Supreme,” and search the auction calendar by town (Brookhaven’s at 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville; Huntington’s at 100 Main St, Huntington). Referees schedule these, so the list updates daily and it’s free—no subscription nonsense. The catch? It’s only what’s been filed with the court, so last-minute changes happen.

Hope that helps, Thomas! Good luck sir!