All Forum Posts by: Russ Wiese

I'd like to make it if possible too. Let me know when and where if you get it set. 

Bismanonline seems to be the most accurate way to compare the current rental market in my area (Bismarck).  Being in Minot I would think rents fluctuate slightly more than my area even at the whim of oil prices. I've found Zillow to under value what rents would be in both our areas. 

I probably wasn't totally clear about the gas. The gas being turned off did no damage, it was when we needed to restart the water heater we noticed the valve knob was broken off. 

I'm working on returning a security deposit and am having a hard time deciding what to do with damage to a water heater.  I'm hoping those with more experience can shed some light on the decision.  

Purchased property two years ago and had a home inspection and natural gas water heater worked good and was complete.  Tenants check out at the end of July and natural gas gets turned off because I didn't have a continuous service agreement with utility company at the time.  Go to re-light water heater after gas was turned back on and the plastic knob on top of the gas valve where pilot light is turned on is missing.  Repair company says they can't get part and need new valve.  So $525 later I'm wondering if I should take that out of the security deposit or eat it as "wear and tear".  It was there when they moved in.  

Thanks in advance

Matt Devincenzo yeah, that's exactly the situation here. A common center wall but separately deeded properties. There is a ton of these style units in my market. Many can be bought for about right at that 10% or maybe even 15% less than a SFR. Not having complete control of the property is one of the biggest negatives I can see. (Neighbor doesn't mow his grass, he wants to change the color of the siding, doesn't have the money to re-roof after a hailstorm, ect.) They seem like they could be an easy property to manage if you had good tenants.

I'm wondering what some of the pros and cons of owning a twin home as a rental are compared to SFR.

These are two homes that are side by side that share a common roof. They are mirror images of each other on the floor plans. Each have an attached two car garage and fenced backyards. There are no HOAs or condo associations with these homes.

Do these types of homes rent well for others? Am I losing out on greater appreciation from a SFR?

I've tried to do a search but really haven't found the answer I'm looking for. Thanks for the help in advance!

I've been lurking for a while and have found Bigger Pockets an unbelievable wealth of knowledge. I live in the Bismarck area and am interested in SFR in both the Bismarck/Mandan and Jamestown areas. I own a vacation rental in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota just outside Deadwood and partner in a couple of smaller commercial properties in Bismarck and Mandan. It's great to be a part of this community!