Also, what’s the best way to ensure the area is safe and desirable for tenants?

We have a dedicated team whose purpose is to ensure that our passive investors never feel disconnected from their properties.

It's frustrating, but I wanted to pass along the message to ensure this phrase is in your leases if you have items on your property.   

And, be sure to reinspect the property to ensure that the problem has been fixed.  

If you’re using leverage, be extra cautious with your underwriting to ensure the deal still works at today’s rates.Economic Uncertainty: Inflation, potential recessions, or shifts in demand could affect rents, vacancy rates, and property values in some markets.Increased Operating Costs: Rising insurance premiums, property taxes, and maintenance costs can cut into profit margins, particularly for buy-and-hold investments.Regulatory Risks: Some areas are increasing restrictions on landlords, particularly short-term rentals.

1.Finding Value: Identifying properties with strong upside potential is critical in markets like Antioch.2.Rehab Management: Staying under budget and on schedule ensures better cash flow and quicker refinancing.3.Leverage Matters: The HELOC strategy allows me to scale quickly and acquire more properties without tying up personal capital.

I checked the Better Business Bureau for complaints, I checked the NJ State Attorney General consumer division to ensure he was licensed, I checked every reference he gave by visiting sites and speaking with the homeowners. 

The best thing you can do is familiarize yourself with Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and ensure your property meets them before your initial inspection.

There is a 1 bed efficiency guest house on the same lot that we have just listed as an STR.

The rental market is already showing signs of recovery:Spring Is Coming: Historically, the rental market picks up momentum in the spring as tenants prepare to move during warmer months or ahead of the school year.Early 2025 Trends Are Positive: In just the first week of January, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in rental applications, suggesting pent-up demand from renters who delayed their searches in November and December.What Landlords Can Do NowTo make the most of this recovery, consider:Refreshing Your Listings: Update your photos, descriptions, and pricing to ensure your properties stand out.Offering Incentives: Temporary discounts or move-in bonuses can help fill vacancies quickly.Being Patient: The market is already bouncing back, so don’t panic if your property takes a bit longer to lease than usual.What’s been your experience?