-As for repairs, new siding, roof, gutters, light landscaping, chimney repair + sleeve added, boards on deck / stained, re-sided shed, sheetrock, moldings + paint, interior doors, 1 kitchen, 1 1/2 bath, some hardwood floors added and stained, dressed up fireplace, water heater, oil tank removal.

So we can buy properties that need work (but are still in good areas) and do an overhaul for 30-40k (meaning new floors, new roof, new HVAC, redone kitchens with granite counters, new paint/fixtures/window dressing etc).

I want to see how the tenant acts, dresses, and who they bring to their appointment--they are often tell-tale signs if the person will be a good tenant or not.

I still remember the look on the face of a young first-time homebuyer hedge fund person (so she knows all the fancy financial words, but not a lot about mortgages) when I used the term "negative amortization," it took about 10 seconds to slowly go from normal facial expression, to mortified and in shock, as she processed what those two words together mean in the mortgage context.

I dress very nice, give them my business card and have all my information organized along with my goals.

I think people view that as someone that isn't making enough money on RE to buy fancy signs and maybe not someone who does this all the time.

I would take the low key approach, no fancy biz cards, just write your name and number on a piece of paper and tell them you can pay cash.

My outside open storage is about 50/50 commercial tenants. i also get a lot of snow birds that leave their fancy cars inside a/c valet units.

Both loans were interest only for the first 10 years; for the past year they have both included principal.There is no room to raise the rent again as it was just raised $100 in December.I can't currently refinance because of the condition it is in.The estimated $75,000 for rehab is based on making it top notch (granite counter tops, premium finishes, all new fixtures, etc) I should be able to get into general sellable condition (not fancy or updated but livable meaning new paint, refinished floors, new carpet, etc) for approximately $45,000Thanks,Paul~

Hi folks -- I have a few properties in Milwaukee that are in need of 2nd story porches being rebuilt -- nothing fancy, just rebuilding what is already there.Does anyone have any solid recommendations on quality carpenters that do this type of work?