All Forum Posts by: Sandra Holt

Thanks @Rafael Norat .  You're right that my jitters are gone!

@Glenn McCrorey  and @Julie Kern , I completely agree.  I love this "hobby" and @Glenn McCrorey   I also can't wait to hear your podcast.  :)

@Kenneth Hynes  I chose a mixed use property this time around because my husband is risk averse.  He wanted to get a property for our law office but also wanted the security of being able to rent out some portion of the house.  When our law firm grows, we can then move into the basement apartment and expand.  We purchased something that is on the nicer side as far as a rental goes so that we can be comfortable working in a nice environment, but what comes with that is a higher mortgage.  Renting out the basement lowers our monthly nut and satisfies my husband.  The next time though will be a solely residential rental (like our first is).  

Thanks everyone!  

@Mike H.  your words could not ring truer to me!  Keep up the good work.  I hope to be at your level I'd like to say soon, but I know it will be awhile.

@Jonna Weber  , systemizing my business...  You are right and that's something that I need to look into but can you give me an example or two of what you mean exactly to get me started?

@Tom Giles that is a great strategy.  Good luck!  

@David Lawrence , I don't know the SC market, but what I did was look on the MLS in a neighborhood where there were a more than an average amount of homes on the market, then I targeted the one that was on the MLS the longest. This homeowner was definitely a motivated seller. I found that representing myself and not using an agent allowed me to negotiate a lower price because I worked out with the listing agent that he would forgo the buyers agent commission. Because of that, when I submitted my offer, I pointed out that my offer was in reality $XXXX more than the submitted offer because there was not a buyers agent commission. I bought my primary residence with a buyers agent and was not satisfied at all with the process, so I decided to go it alone this time around and it worked out (so far).

Thanks @Julie Kern , @Aischa B. , and @Jason Dugan !  

@David Lawrence , where to find such properties depends on what you are looking for...  

Thanks for all the love!  I've already started hunting for #3...  I think I'm hooked :)

Thanks for the encouragement @Kyle J. and @George P. .  I appreciate it!

I am fairly new to BP but just wanted to share that my offer on investment property number 2 was just accepted today!  I haven't closed yet and I know I'm counting my chickens too soon, but I'm excited to have jumped off the fence and put in an offer (that was actually accepted).  I offered below list price by a lot even though the house is in "retail" condition but because I didn't use a buyers agent, I was able to negotiate a good deal.   

I plan on "renting" out the top two portions to mine and my husband's law firm to use as our working office and I already have a renter for the basement apartment who will pay half our mortgage.  We'll still keep a traditional office to meet with clients.

My goal this year was to buy one property per year as a buy and hold, but heck, I just upped it to a whopping two per year!  I know I'm just a "small fish" but this is a part-time gig for me and I'm happy with slow and steady investing.

Anyway, just wanted to share :)

Thanks, I'll PM you when I need work done.  I close on a house in 60 days and will probably call after that to see if you can give me a quote.  

Thanks for the advice.  I appreciate it, but I was hoping to get specific names/companies from investors in my area.  

I am looking for a reasonably priced contractor/handyman in Howard County, MD.  I also need a reasonably priced electrician.  Any and all recommendations are appreciated!