Networking with local investors can provide insights into the Pittsburgh market, recommended contractors, property managers, and other professionals.

I have family with a portfolio in North Texas and over the past four years their taxes have increased 100% or more per property for no increase in the services provided to them.

The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it!

Here are some options and considerations:Loan Against Equity/ETFs:Margin Loans:Description: Margin loans allow you to borrow money using your investments (such as stocks or ETFs) as collateral.Pros:You retain ownership of your investments.Generally quick access to funds.Interest rates can be relatively low compared to other types of loans.Cons:Your investments are used as collateral, so if their value declines significantly, you may face a margin call (requiring additional funds or securities).Interest rates can vary and may be higher than traditional loans depending on the lender and your creditworthiness.Securities-Based Line of Credit (SBLOC):Description: Similar to margin loans, SBLOCs use your securities (stocks, ETFs) as collateral, but they typically provide more flexibility and may not trigger margin calls as easily.Pros:Allows for ongoing access to funds as long as your collateral remains sufficient.Interest rates may be competitive.Cons:Similar risks of potential margin calls if the value of your securities drops significantly.Terms and interest rates can vary widely among lenders.Comparison with 401(k) Loans:401(k) Loans:Description: Borrowing from your 401(k) allows you to access funds without selling investments, using your retirement savings as collateral.Pros:Typically low interest rates.No credit check required.Interest paid on the loan goes back into your 401(k) account.Cons:Usually capped at a percentage of your vested balance (commonly up to 50% or $50,000).If you leave your job, the loan may need to be repaid immediately or could be considered a taxable distribution.Potential opportunity cost of missing out on market gains if funds are withdrawn from investments.Other Alternatives:Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC):Description: If you own a home with equity, a HELOC allows you to borrow against that equity at typically lower interest rates than unsecured loans.Pros:Lower interest rates compared to other types of loans.Interest may be tax-deductible if used for home improvements (consult a tax advisor).Cons:Your home serves as collateral, so failure to repay could result in foreclosure.Personal Loans:Description: Unsecured personal loans can be used for various purposes, including investing, but typically have higher interest rates than loans secured by collateral.Pros:No collateral required.Funds can be used for any purpose.Cons:Higher interest rates and stricter eligibility criteria based on creditworthiness.I am a loan officer and we do some of the loans stated above.

We provide a simple Weber charcoal grill at our duplex unit for tenants to share, and leave it to the tenants in our single-family properties.

Specifically, the law requires the seller to provide information regarding all room additions, structural modifications, alterations, or repairs made to the property since obtaining title if they were performed by a contractor.

Here are some tips and insights to consider as you begin building your real estate portfolio:Options:Refinancing: If you have equity in your condo, consider refinancing to access funds for future investments.Investment Loans: Explore options like conventional loans for financing future rental properties.HELOC: Depending on your equity and financial situation, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) could provide flexible financing for down payments or renovations on new properties.Build a Financial Strategy:Budgeting: Create a detailed budget that includes mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs for your rental property.Cash Flow Analysis: Calculate expected rental income versus expenses to ensure positive cash flow.Emergency Fund: Set aside funds for unexpected repairs or vacancies.Research the Rental Market:Location: Choose rental properties in areas with strong rental demand and potential for appreciation.Tenant Profile: Understand the demographics and preferences of renters in your target market.Market Trends: Stay updated on rental market trends and local regulations affecting landlords.Property Management:Self-Management vs.

I'll be walking the property later this week and will have a better idea of the condition.So it sounds like if it's in good shape, it shouldn't impact my ability to flip it?

An Attorney will help with creating an LLC.LLC is not required, may make getting financing more difficult.It may provide some asset protection.Most of the asset protection that you need will come from the insurance policy.Discuss with the insurance agent on situations that you are not protected.Have a discussion with an attorney if your extra concerns can be protected through an LLC.

HMM never heard of that regarding criminals  https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/20...Using CA as an example:- not allowed to place a blanket ban based on criminal record- are not allowed to access certain forms of criminal records (arrests, post-trial diversions, sealed expunged records)- you are technically allowed to access conviction data and use it, but your interpretation of that data must comport perfectly with how CA wants you to interpret it (must have direct bearing, must have been recent enough etc)- even if you follow all of this perfectly, accessing the criminal records must not "have a discriminatory effect" so if certain special people are impacted you are still looking at liability.As a result of this legal minefield many just decide to forget looking at criminal or to find some other criteria.