All Forum Posts by: Val J.

I am not blaming the tenant for ANYTHING! She is trying to work with me to resolve the problem.  I can get the money order from her at anytime she isn't holding it hostage. I just tried to reach out on this forum hoping that someone has perhaps experienced this or something similar and could give advice on what I should do.  I am thinking of offering the relative $25 or more to come and cash the money order to see if that will put a bit of fire under her. I will not just give her the money order so she can just run to the store and cash it and ALL the money might be gone. My tenant assures me that her relative wouldn't do this but I will take all precautions. 

I have a rental property. My tenant was unavailable when rent was due so she had a family member to get a money order to pay me. The money order was bought at one of those small Mexican franchise grocery stores. I held the money order for more than 30 days and when I went to deposit it I then read on it that it expired in 30 days. The store told me that I couldn't do anything (even though it is made out to pay) because I did not purchase it and the family member signed her name as purchaser. I've contacted this person two weeks in a row to ask about when she would be willing to come and cash the money order. The store stated that only the purchaser can cash it or be reissued a new money order and they state that it must be at the same location. She seems to give me the run around. She states she works all the time and she has lives about a 20 minute drive from the store. The money order is NOT in her possession the tenant has it. Any thoughts on what I can do to get my money?

What is a good way to get started? 

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My name is Shirlon and I'm new to BP. I am currently renting my personal home (6 years now) and I'm currently looking to buy a small duplex to owner occupy. I don't know much but I'm willing to learn all that I can and share what I do know. I'm interested in building investments with more SFH or 2-4 family dwellings. I have been reading and listening to podcast since I joined 2 days ago. I'm learning that I have a lot to learn.

I have an opportunity to buy a duplex 1bd 1 ba each side for 35k. I plan to live on one side and there are tenants on month to month leases on both sides. Being a newby I don't understand how to determine whether this would be a good buy for me. I'm ready to downsize and live in a a smaller place but did'nt want to buy a condo because of the perpetual hoa fees. The property is in Dallas, TX bult in the 1950's. According to Zillow it has a Zestimate of $42,481. It will need a little work done on it. Not exactly sure of the exact dollar amount. Appear, from my inexperience eye, to need a roof. One tenant shared that she is paying $350 + 50 for water.  The othe tenan mumbled something about $200. Both appear to  be paying below market.  The mumbling tenant's unit has water damage revealed by the bubble in the sheet rock in the ceiling.  Seller has not provided the disclosure,  Help.  Should I buy or say bye.