All Forum Posts by: Tomiko Graves

Good morning landlords!

I am strongly considering making my Maryland rental a Section 8 rental because I can get $300 more each month.  I am totally clueless as to the process; however, I do know that I have to screen my Section 8 tenants the same way I screen other tenants.

Is someone willing to share their process for screening (application, background check, etc.)?  I also have found it extremely challenging to talk with a live person from housing that can assist.  Any recommendations on that?

@Matt R.Thank you! I do have an agent I’ve been working with. I’ll ask her. 

Hi all!

I have an opportunity to purchase a rental property for 39k that has been condemned because of code violations.  I received an email report of the violations this morning.

My contractor suggests I "have an engineer evaluate everything in that report that mentions structure and have him write instructions.  Then after work gets done, he will inspect.  Then code inspector would inspect..."

Is this good advice and if so, where do I find an engineer??

@Randy E. agreed.  This helps!

@BOB CRANEY thanks!

@Toby Chandler thanks for the note about the plaster.  That's what I'm concerned about.

@Trey Burns thanks for the encouragement!

@Phil Dodd lol.  The flip is in North Carolina.

@Matt Honeyford the job hasn't begun.  So I am still in a VERY good position to discuss these changes that are being shared.  I promise.  I will not pay 13k for the bathroom.  Thanks so much!

@Dan Schweit yes. I am totally looking at this as a learning experience.  I'm taking notes and asking a ton of questions.  I also went to Floor decor and priced tile, etc so I could have a general idea of the cost and quality of tile.  The challenge is that this is a long distance flip!  However, I have a few people on the ground that will be my eyes and ears.  I love this advice!