All Forum Posts by: Shawn H.

Local properties seem easier to maintain, and less risky to own. It seems like such a large barrier to overcome to purchase properties, in better investor areas. Don't know the rental markets, property managers, etc. In my local market, rents do not generally justify the purchase prices, many of the houses are old(1896-1930's), older than I want to maintain. How does one increase their risk tolerance/trust in others and overcome fear to invest in more profitable areas?

If someone has multiple businesses real estate and non-real estate, what would be the best way to structure if any? Specifically, farm income would be one source of income, outside of real estate.

We currently provide washer/dryer/dishwasher. Dishwashers were already in units, otherwise I probably wouldn't have put them in. Although, tenants have been pleased. We have in our lease if appliances quit working, landlord reserves the right to, or not to replace. Even if you don't provide a washer, I would provide the water supply lines, braided stainless steel. You don't want someone bringing in lower quality hoses.

What is a reasonable price for a gas furnace replacement, including installation? 1200 sf house.

Thanks

The source of moisture needs to be removed. You may need a sump pump to remove ground water. The remaining moisture, spores, etc is coming in from the vents. The warm air enters the cooler crawl space then condenses. Do you have moisture on water lines, joists, insulation, etc? For crawl space situations, I believe encapsulation is a solution. Basically seal up vents, install sump pump, install 12 mil+ vapor barrier(floor,up wall and around piers) and seal, install dehumidifier designed for crawl space(drains to sump). Also, I do believe the Bora care w/ mold treatment is a good product. I believe the humidity needs to be below 45% or so to prevent future mold growth, which is th purpose of the dehumidifier. There are companies that perform this work but is quite expensive. There are web sites with a lot of info, you can buy and do yourself. A lot of work, but much less expensive.

Jon:

Exposed fastener sheets are generally 3' wide, standing seam metal roofing(hidden fastener) usually runs 16" wide. In our area, the cost/ft are about the same($2.30/ft), so the standing seam will run you about double due to the narrow sheets. Standing seam, IMO, is definitely a more clean, modern look. Trim can increase costs significantly. Double the material cost to account for labor as well.

I had a duplex with a shared water meter. Adding another city meter wasn't cost effective, so I bought 2 sub meters and installed myself. The meters were about $60 each. I included in the lease the tenant is responsible for water, included a sample calculation .. gallons x $/gallon, and stated they were to include with monthly rent. I didn't have any problems.

Is anyone using SIPS(structural insulated panels) for their new construction projects? If so, would you use again? Seems like there could be substantial cost savings with labor. Also, seems like contractors are hesitant to use, possibly charge more due to lack of knowledge. Let me know your experience.

Thanks for the responses. We have kept track of dates/duties/pay etc. on a spreadsheet. Also, we paid on a regular basis. The w-2/1099 was another question I had: how to report child's income, does the child need a separate tax return(income is below standard deduction); I should still be able to claim as dependents and still receive child tax credits correct?

I've read that a business owner can hire their children, then fund a Roth IRA for them since they have earned income. Are there any reasons this would be a bad idea?