All Forum Posts by: Sam Torvinen

Welcome to BP Laura! I'm a new investor in Duluth as well and would love to hear about your first year in! 

@Preston Humbard welcome to BP from a fellow Duluthian! 

I'd love to hear more about acquiring your first property as I'm looking to start my real estate investing journey in 2018 as well. If you'd like to chat sometime feel free to contact me.

- Sam Torvinen

@Craig Fitzsimmons, any luck on your 3/2? 

You are likely correct in that this cold winter isn't helping to get it rented. 

Is this a SFR or MFR unit? Also, roughly what location of Duluth/ Superior are you in? I'm curious because your rent seems like its very reasonable.

Thank you,

- Sam Torvinen

@Ferdi Eruysal, this is a frustrating situation. 

My advice would be that before you resort to legal action you should talk with the contractor to see who gave him the directive to start demo on your property, preferably something they have in writing telling them to go forward with the project. Then talk with the agent and contractor, explain your situation and how your intention was to not demo the kitchen/ bathroom, and try to come up with a solution that works. This would hopefully be a way to continue relationships with a contractor and agent that have excellent reviews from others. I hope this is somewhat helpful!

Thank you,

- Sam Torvinen

@Megan Greathouse, I am up in Duluth MN and most all homes have basements. I am new to the REI portion so I can't speak on effects of having or not having a basement on rent-ability, but I can speak to the construction aspect.

From a construction side, my understanding is basements are used in colder climates where you need to get below the frost line to avoid heaving of your foundation. So by digging a basement (rather than just a foundation since you will be digging anyway) you are getting below the frost line and gaining more usable space for the home. Up in MN our frost line is around 6', but a quick Google search determined MO is closer to 2'; so that would make sense to not see basements on all houses like we do up in our colder climates. 

As far as investing in a property without a basement, I would just be sure that if the properties you are looking at have a suitable foundation/ footing depth compared to your frost depth to avoid any expensive foundation issues. I hope this was somewhat helpful. 

Thank you and good luck!

- Sam Torvinen

Hey @Michael Schraepfer! I will have to take you up on that. I'd love to learn more about how you built Heirloom here in Duluth.

Thank you @Jordan Moorhead and @James Wise! I will be sure to reach out with questions.

Hello all of BP!

I am a new member and aspiring real estate investor in the Duluth MN area. I currently work as a full time Field Engineer for a commercial/ industrial construction company and am on a year long assignment in southern Arkansas. I am working on saving as much as possible for down-payments while out of state with the intention to come back next fall and invest in an Owner Occupied MFR. I would love the opportunity to discuss with investors about your journey, and would graciously accept any advice you might have for a newbie!

Feel free to contact me at any time and have a great New Years!

Thank you,

Sam Torvinen

Zach, Matt, and Preston , I think an REI for the Northland is a great idea!