All Forum Posts by: Amy A.

This post applies to Maine landlords, but may be useful for others as well.  For 10 years I used padzilla, also known as tenant-net, for eviction and credit report screening.  They did an inspection of my office so they could send me the full credit report.  They recently changed their policy so that I can no longer see the report and I just get a summary.  I need the actual report because it shows prior addresses, mortgages, etc. that confirms info. on the tenant's application.  Also, they only do eviction and Bankruptcy searches for Maine, not for the other states.

Because of this, I signed up with Rentec Direct, which allows me to see the actual credit report.  I have to pay a monthly fee even if I don't do any tenant screening, but the platform also allows me to collect rent online and I don't believe they actually hold the money, unlike some other companies that have held, (and lost!) payments.  The problem is that they claim to do a nationwide eviction search, but I have found out that it doesn't include Maine!  I tested it by inputting the name of a person who had multiple hits on Padzilla and they came back clean on Rentec Direct!   I also tested their social security number verification by using a number that I know does not match the name, and it came back as "validated"!  This makes me doubt all the criminal background screening that comes back as clean as well.

I believe that the issue with Maine is that our court data isn't readily accessible online.  Padzilla sends people to the courts to gather the eviction lists.  I don't know of any other companies that do this.  So, my question for the BP community is this: does anybody have a verified, dependable screening company that covers evictions nation-wide - even Maine, and that will allow me to see the full credit report (after an office inspection, of course)?  Thank you!

Offer them jobs.  That makes my kids run away.

According to this article, it leaves a sticky residue on everything that attracts dust. 

https://info-electronic-cigarette.com/what-is-vapi...

It's creepy that they insist on meeting you in person.  Also, if they are making a big deal about water in the carpet this time, it'll be something else next time.  There will always be issues with them.  Continually messaging you is harassment and shows that they are crazy.  Don't try to have a rational conversation with an irrational person.  Threats of lawsuits are common but not often followed through.  Create as much separation as possible from them and end their tenancy as soon as possible.  Don't let them intimidate you. 

On the bright side, after you are done with them, all other tenants will seem easy and you won't be up in the middle of the night asking BP for advice!  I've been in your shoes and it gets easier so hang in there.

My parents hired me to work for their real estate business 30 years ago.  I was a brat and I hated it and resisted making any effort, although I was fine working hard on my grandfather's farm.  Now I also have a real estate business and try to hire my kids.  They act like brats and they hate it and act lazy, but they work really hard for other people.  Now my parents see this and laugh and laugh...  Payback.  I deserve it.

Look up Southern Maine Real Estate Investors Association on Facebook to get up to date info. There is a lot of discussion about wholesaling, rent to own, and other non traditional investing methods 

I used to use Allure, but found that the thick sheet vinyl at Lowe's and HD mimics the plank look really well.  It's easy to install because it doesn't tear easily like other sheet vinyl.  That's what I use now on rooms less than 12 feet wide.  We did one wide room with a seam and I'll see how well it lasts at the next turnover.

I don't think many flippers would pass on a $60k profit.  I know I wouldn't!  Even out here in the boonies a deal like that would sell.  They must know something about the property that you don't.

Try to look at it from his perspective.  He probably has no idea he's a slum lord and thinks he's the best manager alive.  Because he's financing the property, he wants to make sure it's maintained up to his "standards" in case he needs to take the property back.  Also, inspectors are hired to find problems and condition can be subjective.  I've had experience with inspectors who don't know what they're talking about and they can't see through walls anyway.  I would want to send a camera through the sewer lines to make sure they're okay and that's about it.

On the other hand he might be planning to put the cash rent in his own pocket, be hiding known expensive defects, hiding financial problems that the bank would find, there could be title issues. etc.

I love this game!

Don't forget the California Bay area rent control laws, in addition to the relocation fees!  Also, if you have a building 16 units or larger than you are required to have on-site management and pay them - including the payroll tax hassle.

I have relatives with units in California and read their landlord newsletters.  Landlords need to work together to oppose unfair laws.

This is why honest people who understand economics need to run for office.  This is why I am running for office and am taking a pay cut to do so.  Having never served in the military, it's my chance to give back.