All Forum Posts by: Russell W.

Hi Jay, just sent you a PM with recommendations. Anyone else reading this post looking for recs on the Northwest side let me know. 

I tend to agree that allowing it to drip inside the chimney is a bad idea. It will likely affect the mortar joints over time. Without knowing exactly where the HVAC unit is located in the apartment, there could be a couple options. Is there a kitchen or bathroom relatively close? You could use vinyl tubing to allow the condensate to drain into the p-trap, similar to a dishwasher connection (obviously this would require some drywall work unless the HVAC closet shares a wall with kitchen/bath). The other option, though perhaps not as visually appealing, would be to run PVC condensate line through the exterior wall and down to the ground to drip onto soil/sidewalk/whatever happens to be there. You could run it tight against the outside face of the chimney to keep it neat looking. 

Although not necessarily local in terms of their headquarters, I have a HELOC on one of my properties with Huntington Bank. Not sure what they're offering currently but I was able to get 5 year interest-only terms.

Echoing Kendall Jones. @Steven Hamilton II is great 

For anyone else searching this topic, some helpful updated info: I was also turned down by Chase to setup multiple accounts for Series-LLC's, so I did some research and moved on. BMO Harris allows multiple business checking accounts for Series-LLC's and there's no limit to the number of accounts. Just did this for two series I just formed and will continue to do so as I grow. Process could not have been easier. Anyone in the Chicago area PM me and I'll provide the branch and banker I went to- super helpful and understands exactly what it is we BP'ers are trying to accomplish.

For anyone else searching this topic, some helpful updated info: I was turned down by Chase to setup multiple accounts for Series-LLC's, so I did some research and moved on. BMO Harris allows multiple business checking accounts for Series-LLC's and there's no limit to the number of accounts. Just did this for two series I just formed and will continue to do so as I grow. Process could not have been easier. Anyone in the Chicago area PM me and I'll provide the branch and banker I went to- super helpful and understands exactly what it is we BP'ers are trying to accomplish.

For anyone else searching this topic, some helpful updated info: I was also turned down by Chase to setup multiple accounts for Series-LLC's, so I did some research and moved on. BMO Harris allows multiple business checking accounts for Series-LLC's and there's no limit to the number of accounts. Just did this for two series I just formed and will continue to do so as I grow. Process could not have been easier. Anyone in the Chicago area PM me and I'll provide the branch and banker I went to- super helpful and understands exactly what it is we BP'ers are trying to accomplish.

Hey Chicago BP'ers, I'm looking for some reputable general contractors to begin interviewing for a 4-flat gut renovation in Chicago. To be clear, I haven't purchased the property yet but am trying get ahead of the game so when I do go under contract I already have someone lined up. Looking at FHA 203k as an option so 203k certified would be a bonus.

Who have you used before? Can you provide before/after photos? How was the experience overall? Thanks for the help!

This is just a venting post, but I also want to hear others' experiences.

I have my first unit turnover and I'm certainly learning from it. Firstly, I should have given myself more time. I didn't expect what I've been experiencing. I use a pre-screening questionnaire to vet out tenants that don't meet some basic requirements. Some people who initially show interest don't even bother sending that back, which is fine because I figure they aren't the type of tenant I desire anyways.

For those that do send it back and book a day/time for a showing, I would say only 1 in 5 actually turn up to the showing. Most don't even bother to send an email or text to cancel. Who else experiences this?? It's not much of a burden on my time because I live in the building, but its certainly frustrating.

@Luke Babich

Magic Pak is just one brand, and typically a more expensive one at that (I included the link because they have a nice video). There are multiple manufacturers but I used a brand called National Comfort Products, see link below. But the unit itself (no labor to install, or duct, piping, etc.) was about $2500. You are correct that the unit may be more expensive than a traditional split furnace & condensing unit, but you save big on the labor. 

In regards to the noise, the heat cycle is no louder than a typical furnace, just the sound of the burner and blower. The cooling cycle is somewhat louder because the condensing unit that would have been outside on the ground is now in the closet. That being said, it's just a white noise/humming sound, just like having a window air conditioner. Its really a non-issue.

Shoot me a PM if you want to know more. Happy to send pictures or go into more detail!

http://www.nationalcomfortproducts.com/left-menu/ComfortPack/Spec-CPG-U.pdf