I got an idea on permanently putting some concrete blocks (6 by 12) on the ground to prevent strangers from driving to the backyard of the apartment building.

They can also help you make a rehab budget.In my experience, the major things that you are going to want to be aware of are:Structural or Foundation problemsTermites or other wood destroying organismsMoldType and age of wiring (knob and tube, romex, fuse box, 80 amp service, 100 amp service, 200 amp service, is it grounded properly, etc.)Condition, age, and type of plumbing (Galvanized, PVC, pex) as well as water source (city water vs well water)Type and Age of Sewer system (Clay tile sewer line, PVC sewer line, septic, etc.)Pets control issues (bed bugs, roaches, fleas, etc.)Condition of RoofCondition of MechanicalsCondition of WindowsI think those are the most concerning ones.

Everything looks better on the internetFinding a partner on the ground will allow you to avoid making an expensive mistake.

I’ve had the pleasure of talking with @Brian Burke up on his grounds near Santa Rosa and he was kind enough to anchor my Summit in SF last November, sharing his extensive experience with other real estate investors.

Getting there at 7 and walking the ground picking up any trash in slacks and a button down with a tie really leaves an impression on your cleaning staff and on the residents as well.

You are renting the ground you are on.

The IDFPR may “refuse to issue or renew a license, may place on probation, suspend, or revoke any license, reprimand, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action as the Department may deem proper or impose a fine not to exceed $25,000 upon any licensee under this Act . . . for any one or combination of” the grounds for discipline set forth in §20-20 of the Act, 225 ILCS 454/20-20.Additionally, a licensee may be subject to both civil penalties and criminal liability for the unlicensed practice of real estate brokerage: Any person who practices, offers to practice, attempts to practice, or holds oneself out to practice as a real estate broker, real estate salesperson, or leasing agent without being licensed under this Act shall, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, pay a civil penalty to the Department in an amount not to exceed $25,000 for each offense as determined by the Department. 225 ILCS 454/20-10(a).     

If you are young and can move regarding family and work then I would have some fun with it and move to one of these places where there is a fertile ground for your type of real estate investing.

Have you ever stayed at a ground floor ADA guestroom in a hotel?  

I was so mad I wouldn’t even tend to the ones I’d planted the previous week.Then one day I decided I need to look and see if possibly there were any potatoes in the ground.