All Forum Posts by: Steven Rubino

I think mailers, cold calling, email, and texting are all only as effective as how consistent you are with them. So many people send out one round of letters, get little to no response, and give up. Consistency is key. That said, I prefer postcards, but have just started getting into email marketing as well. There are a lot of people on Fiverr for example who will send 500 emails for as little as $15. 

You should check out Sketchup. You can create pretty detailed 3D models and I think there may even be a free version. 

Hi everyone,

I am debating moving forward with a MTR in the Boston / North shore area. It would be a single family 4-5 bed 4 bath house, which I would like to rent as a whole (not per bed as it's not really set up for that). I think it would make for a nice STR, but also a very nice MTR given the proximity to so many hospitals.

The problem I have is I don’t think I’ll have the time to properly devote to this additional property right now (hopefully soon).

Does anyone know of, and would recommend, a good STR / MTR property management company serving Massachusetts? I have searched the forums quite a bit and couldn't find anything specific to MA

Thank you!

Hi everyone,

I am debating moving forward with a STR in the Boston / North shore area. It would be a single family 4-5 bed 4 bath house, which I would like to rent as a whole (not per bed as it's not really set up for that). I think it would make for a nice STR and also a nice MTR given the proximity to so many hospitals.

The problem I have is I don’t think I’ll have the time to properly devote to this additional property right now (hopefully soon).

Does anyone know of, and would recommend, a good STR / MTR property management company serving Massachusetts? I have searched the forums quite a bit and couldn't find anything specific to MA

Thank you!

Hi everyone!

Just last month I closed my FIRST ever wholesale deal! It's felt like such a long time coming, and I'm so grateful for the experience. I am really looking forward to applying some lessons learned on the next one and thought I'd share!

The details: It was a SFH in a neighborhood surprisingly close to where I live north of Boston. I found it through driving for dollars, dropped a flyer, and added them to my direct mail campaign. After the flyer and first mailer they gave me a call and we set up a meeting! From there we had a little back and forth but I was able to build a really great rapport with them. The owner was in a nursing home, and had a family friend in charge of the estate. It had been vacant for several months and needed to be fully gutted. We settled on $400,000 contingent on me either finding a partner or an end buyer. I sent it out to a few people in my close network - a few passed at the price, but I felt very confident given all the research I had done. Finally, I connected with an end buyer who was able to close quickly and all cash for $420,000!

I have to say - it took a lot more work than I was expecting. I feel like so many of the people I've listened to on Podcast or Youtube make it seem like Wholesaling is such a quick and easy way to make money. Maybe someday after you get a number of them under your belt and have a great team and process built out, but couldn't that be said of any investment strategy? Just a thought.

Any way - I am already working on a few more, trying to get them under contract. I am hoping they go a little smoother... If you're reading this and located in MA let's connect!

Hi Amanda - 

Fellow MA flipper here (I’ve actually completed 3 flips as well!) and I’m also looking to expand. MA has been really hot these last few years, deals have been tough to find. If you’re looking to connect with wholesalers I’d suggest start attending some local networking events, a great way to meet people. If you’re thinking mailers, I’ve purchased lists from Listsource, and used a mailing company Open Letter Marketing which have both been really easy to use. I’ve been happy with them for sure. 

Feel free to send me a message I’d be happy to discuss further!

I would strongly suggests you meet with a financial advisor / wealth manager in your area. For a few hundred bucks (at most) you can get some professional guidance and advise. 
What brokerage is your father’s retirement plan with? My 401k is with Fidelity and a lot of their advisor services are free to me for being a member. 

Hi Yvonne

Lucky for you, you have a few good options. None would be right or wrong, I think it just comes down to whichever best fits your lifestyle. Are you selling your current home in hopes of upsizing for you and your family? Because another option you may want to consider - instead of selling your current SFH, do a cash-out refi. Take those funds, buy your duplex, and keep the original SFH as a rental as well!

My wife was certainly hesitant at first, which is to be expected. We both have really well paying and stable W2 jobs. I started slowly bringing it up only on days when she came home after a crappy day at work… (Timing is everything! lol)

“Wow, that all sounds so frustrating… Wouldn’t it be great if we didn’t have to work anymore……..”

Hey Aldo,

I think it depends on the class of buyer you are flipping for. If for example this is a more affordable, starter home for a first time homebuyer I’d say it’s probably best to keep the current system. I don’t think a new heating system would get as much of a return here vs say a high end luxury home where top of the line new systems are the standard.

Just my two cents. If the current system works fine then I’m sure whichever decision you make you’ll do well!

Good luck!