All Forum Posts by: Tom McGrew

Hi @Ben Trageser - I run a property management company in the Lehigh Valley and we're very familiar with the rental inspection process. The cities in the Valley are becoming more and more strict to the point where it's becoming overwhelming for us, too. I'd be happy to connect with them to see if we could help in anyway. We could also work on the inspection list for them, too with some of our vendors.

Happy to chat more if you want to shoot me a DM.

Cheers,

Tom

 @Thomas P. - Would be more than happy to connect on the area if you're open to it. Feel free to shoot me a message.

 @Joseph Pugliese - Realtor and property manager in the area. Let me know if you'd like to connect on the area or if you ever need some thoughts on rents, etc.

@Chris McDonnell - I love the Lehigh Valley for all the reasons you mention and transitioned from NJ to the Valley for the great returns (and it being a bit under the radar). I started out as an investor and then opened a PM company (who would have thought). There's a great REI meeting in the Lehigh Valley once a month - if you're interested, shoot me a direct message.

Also, if you need any contractor references/connections, let me know.

Cheers,
Tom

 Hey there @Ryahn Toole! The Lehigh Valley is a great area to invest in! I'm also an IT person by trade, too, and somehow wound up owning a property management company. You would be surprised how much value IT people can add in this space.

To your question - I'd argue it depends on your goals for CoC/Cap/etc rates rather than "better" areas. What's your investment strategy? Generally speaking, Allentown, generally, is going to have lower priced units and, generally, Bethlehem will have higher priced units.

 Hi Ty - More than happy to jump on a call with you if you're still evaluating companies and explain how we're a bit different than most.

Cheers,

Tom

As a property manager (and as others have mentioned) tenant screening is the key. You can avoid a lot of tenant issues with proper screening and good process. When owners come to us to take over properties with problem tenants, it's usually from a lack of good screening and "trust me" promises. We had one tenant that somehow convinced the owner that they didn't need to run a background check because, "hey, you know me" (kind of). Turned out the guy had a long criminal history and had drug issues. He caused the owner thousands in damages when he moved out which is why he wound up contacting us to take over management.

@Amy Konopka

I’ll also DM my mobile as I’ll be traveling from out of town tomorrow.