All Forum Posts by: David S.

Indeed not easy. I own and am active in the Lynn area - might be something for you to consider. Today I saw a listing for a duplex in Lynn for $415k - address is 140 Cottage Street, Lynn, MA 01905 - might be a great start for you. Keep looking - there are always opportunities for determined investors!

I've had good luck with Yankee Pest, but I know you're not looking for another exterminator. One issue I did have - they said that dog food is the antidote to mouse poison, so not sure if the unit has a dog in it, but if it does and the dog food is laying out all day, if the mice eat the poison then the dog food, they won't die. So need to ensure owner keeps dog food off the ground unless dog is eating. Besides that I'm sorry I don't have much better advice. 

what part of greater Seattle? north, south, east?

My first thought is that if you can rent it out for more than I can, that I'm probably doing something wrong. Are you saying that you're going to rent out the bedrooms in each unit to different people? I'd just be worried that your business model isn't sustainable and ultimately you'll fail and then it'll be a big pain for me to fix everything. 

I think it also depends how much $ you want to put down. You can probably get a lower rate if you put down 20-25% as opposed to 3-10%.

I used Yankee Pest Control and found them very helpful, responsive, and priced reasonably. 

I only have experience with one Section 8 tenant and have only been dealing with her for 4 months so far. Overall she's been fine - she's older and doesn't speak English so well - there's only been a few minor issues here and there, but luckily I've been in contact with her daughter who often helps problem-solve when the housing authority won't. So again - relationship building has been key for me. 

I know other landlords who love having Section 8 tenants due to the reliability of payments. I'm sure there are plenty of horror stories too. As most things in life, I think it's combination of luck, your skill with navigating the system, and your ability to build positive relationships.  

I suppose every local housing office that administers Section 8 vouchers is different, but I have personal experience with the Lynn Housing Authority office (nicknamed "LHAND") and have found 2 people there who are difficult to deal with, and 2 people there who are angels to work with. 

As a general statement, anytime you're dealing with government bureaucracy things can sometimes get frustrating. I had a particularly difficult situation that was ultimately solved by the top guy there, who overruled the previous decision of someone else. So if you're going to go down this route, as always in life, focus on relationship building with key people so you can turn to them when you need some help. If you treat people poorly, they won't be likely to help you. 

I'd suggest Michael Geher at Peter J. Gilman P.C. - you can find his contact info online or send me a direct message. Definitely won't break the bank!

Many thanks Dan! It's not clear from the wording though about location of this sign - does it need to be on the outside of the building or can it be located on the inside? My building has 2 locked doors (front and side) to the inside (not double doors like the post above) so if it was on the inside then nobody could see this sign unless they had a key to the building and/or were let into the building by someone with a key. Perhaps the answer to this question depends on the purpose of the sign - is it for the benefit of the tenants in case any issues? Is for the police/fire department in an emergency? Is it for people walking by the building to be able to contact the owner?