All Forum Posts by: Sherry McQuage

 Hello Grace,

I don't know you...and I am also a female.  As much as I hate to admit it, many subs don't...respect women and will lie/deceive/misrepresent things, especially when they know you're new to this type of thing.  Hiring an experienced home inspector (who used to be a GC) sounds like a good idea.  

You will learn a lot no matter what route you use.  Also, since you are living in the property that you'll be renovating, please make sure you are not leaving yourself (and your possessions) at risk of theft or worse.

Hiring the expensive GC that you have confidence in will cost money.  Going with the less expensive GC will cost money in ways that can be really frustrating and expensive.  An experienced sub with good-looking work probably needs to be tried at a later date, not on your first addition/upgrade.

You could also keep asking people for other GC referrals..."if you think it's expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur," ---Red Adair

Best to you!

Very interesting solutions!  I will try the enzymes, and white vinegar with kitty litter next time.

I sold a house with beautiful wood floors...seller's cats would go to 3 specific corners and urinate.  Buyer had to have those sections of the floor replaced as they were too saturated to save...wood had turned black there.  Ugh!  At least the cats favored 3 corners, and not the entire floor area.😁

Ask the real estate agent, general contractor, property managers you intend to use.  They might know of some deterrents for a particular area that are effective.

Good luck!

 I understand why you suggest flat paint for walls....and I hate flat paint!  If you have kids or pets, flat painted walls absorb stains, sweat/slobber, and are difficult to wipe down without damaging the wall.  Eggshell for walls is my preference.  It's just my opinion.😁

Depends on if crawlspace or slab...depends on if you can find a dependable plumber you trust.  Keep in mind, many tradespeople are getting older and retiring and there's not many going into the business, so it could cost more to wait to replace.  Just a thought.

Depends on if you have cash reserves to cover the pipe replacement now; if not, you could save a certain amount each month to put towards eventual replacement.

I guess you just have to decide if you want to pay to have the pipes replaced now, or at an unexpected time in the future.  If there's not much else "wrong" with the property (or if it's relatively new), you might choose to go ahead and pay a plumber to get it over with.

Definitely use polybutylene pipes as a "negative" when negotiating the purchase price.

With inflation, tradespeople retiring, and the growing population moving to the area, it might well be less expensive to have them switched out sooner rather than later.  Only you will know which is better for your situation.  I like to "idiot proof" buy and holds to minimize repairs.

Best to you!

I would call the city/town and ask general questions...wouldn't tell them you own some non-permitted ADUs.

Find and attend some real estate networking events; maybe you'll meet another person who has dealt with this kind of situation.

If you have the funds, you may want to talk with a local real estate attorney and see what they advise.  This is not something that I would ignore; just don't bring attention directly to your property address (with the inspection department) until you know the laws.  This will, at one time or another, have to be dealt with.  Good luck!

Talk with people...tell them you're interested in investing in real estate.  You never know who will take an interest in "pouring into young people".  I bet you already know someone that owns investment property, only they don't "appear" wealthy.

Keep working (get a W2 job, or start your own business doing something that will get you around real estate), keep talking, and lead with service.  Help others and they will tell you some wisdom.  Good luck!

I like mini-splits.  When installed properly they provide great ac.  Would make your property more desirable if tenants didn't have to bring their own ac units.  Mini-splits look better than window units, too.

Being overwhelmed and excited is not a bad thing.  Reach out to real estate agents in BP in the areas you're thinking about.  Ask lots of questions.  As careful as you've been with your money so far, realize you're learning a new (to you) way of creating wealth.  

Reach out to other property owners who are doing the thing you want to do...maybe even take a trip to the area you're thinking of investing in and meet some agents to get real feedback.

Best to you!

I was talking with the owner of a mobile home park within 45 minutes of my home; he inherited it from his father.  He says he wished he had a storage facility instead, because it would be less to manage.  I think I will pass on buying the park.