All Forum Posts by: Tim VandenToorn

@Cynthia M.  I would check out Grand Rapids as well.  Here are a few articles to consider.  I can also give you a referral on a property management company. 

http://www.forbes.com/sites/erincarlyle/2016/01/27...

http://www.forbes.com/sites/ingowinzer/2016/07/29/...

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150607/NEWS/306079987/planners-seek-to-make-grand-rapids-medical-mile-a-healthy-place-to

http://fox17online.com/2015/03/17/grand-rapids-rental-vacancy-rates-lowest-in-country/

http://mibiz.com/item/22318-grand-rapids-said-to-have-lowest-rental-vacancy-in-the-countryhttp://www.michigan.org/blog/guest-blogger/three-reasons-why-grand-rapids-is-beer-city-usa/

@Glorianne Wong Welcome to BP.  I would love to connect with you to discuss the market here in Grand Rapids.  I can also provide you a few realtor referrals if you are looking for an investment property.  What are your goals and what numbers are you looking to achieve?  Are you financing or buying cash. 

Here are some great articles discussing Grand Rapids. 

http://www.forbes.com/sites/erincarlyle/2016/01/27...

http://www.forbes.com/sites/ingowinzer/2016/07/29/...

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150607/NEWS/306079987/planners-seek-to-make-grand-rapids-medical-mile-a-healthy-place-to

http://fox17online.com/2015/03/17/grand-rapids-rental-vacancy-rates-lowest-in-country/

http://mibiz.com/item/22318-grand-rapids-said-to-have-lowest-rental-vacancy-in-the-countryhttp://www.michigan.org/blog/guest-blogger/three-reasons-why-grand-rapids-is-beer-city-usa/

What a great discussion, and I am glad Grand Rapids Michigan was brought up.   I am also curious why @JR T. says to forget Michigan?  

Here are several reason you should be considering Grand Rapids: 

http://www.forbes.com/sites/erincarlyle/2016/01/27...

http://www.forbes.com/sites/ingowinzer/2016/07/29/...

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150607/NEWS/306079987/planners-seek-to-make-grand-rapids-medical-mile-a-healthy-place-to

http://fox17online.com/2015/03/17/grand-rapids-rental-vacancy-rates-lowest-in-country/

http://mibiz.com/item/22318-grand-rapids-said-to-have-lowest-rental-vacancy-in-the-countryhttp://www.michigan.org/blog/guest-blogger/three-reasons-why-grand-rapids-is-beer-city-usa/

Having said that, our market is very competitive and its hard to find great deals right now.  For out of state investors its even more difficult as you have have trusting relationship with your realtor or property manager to jump on a deal when one presents itself.  

Maintenance and handyman are a challenge rather your local or long distance.  If we could manage properties and never have to deal with contractors, bills, maintenance, etc we would!  Although we constantly fight for lower prices and less expensive labor maintenance is expensive.  I would encourage you make your house tenant proof.  Don't skimp, it will pay you back in the long run even if its a few more thousand up front!

I would love to discuss management with you @Dan Johnson.  I can also give @Jake Thomas great reviews!

Nick, 

Welcome to BP and getting started in real estate.  I would love to sit down  some time and discuss the market and opportunities. 

I always recommend new investors start with something stable maybe an A or B neighborhood.  Something that will not create drama or surprises.  If you can stomach unexpected expenses or higher turn over/ vacancies you certainly can make good money by investing in lower end properties, but it also turns newbies off quickly when the expenses are typically more than estimated.  

I hope that helps.  Feel free to connect. 

Welcome Chris!!   As Justin said market is hot.  What drew your attention to Grand Rapids?  I would love to hear about your goals to see if I could give you any direction.  

Michael, 

Welcome I am a fellow LEO in my past life.  Real Estate investing is definitely the way to go!  I would love to connect.  If you have any questions please let me know. 

Jonathan, I would be happy to help if you have a property in mind.  I have two other contractors I can refer you to.  One is Quantum Ventures and Investments LLC he works with investors and has several crews in Grand Rapids.  Tell him I referred you.  You can either look him up on Facebook or PM me for his number.  The second one is Randy Bullen,  He might not be taking new clients, but he does large remodels for our company.  He owns dozens of rental properties himself and has a great mind for understanding the functionality of a rental property.  He runs a crew to keep from getting bored, and is handling a few project for us right now.  PM me for his number.  

Thanks for the referral Courtney.  Jonathan I could refer a GM to you and I would be happy to do this, but I think it is going to be difficult to find on that is willing to look at more than 2 or 3 properties and provide estimates.  The remodeling business is booming right now, and contractors are not desperate for working putting us all in a difficult position.  

Jackie, are the numbers good?  Even if the sellers are slumlords and unreasonable, don't walk from a deal because the sellers agent is poor.  If the numbers work with the repairs buy it, if the repairs cause your numbers to drop below your goals, walk away!!  It  sounds like the repairs can be easily made.  

HOLY COW Jackie!!! Those are great numbers congratulations!!!!  If you need anything or advise don't hesitate to call.  You know our number =)