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Results (6,361+)
Brandon Causey Foundation Issues and Step Cracking
22 December 2025 | 6 replies
Quote from @Marc Winter: After just finishing my home inspection recertification, I plugged your question into the system, heres what it said:Most likely cause: Differential movement + thermal expansionThis type of crack is commonly caused by one or more of:Thermal expansion/contraction of a long brick wall (brick expands more than people realize)Lack of control joints in the masonryMinor differential settlement between structural elements (floor line, lintel, or bond beam)Possible interaction with a floor diaphragm or window header lineHow I’d classify itCategory: Non-structural / serviceability crackSeverity: Low to moderateRisk: Usually cosmetic unless it continues to growWhat would confirm thisCrack aligns near a floor levelNo stepped “stair-step” patternNo widening at one endInterior walls at same level may show hairline cracksThe stepped / jagged, diagonal through mortar jointsWhat it looks likeStair-step pattern following mortar jointsChanges direction vertically and horizontallyLocalized area rather than full-lengthSome patched/effloresced areas nearby⚠️ Most likely cause: Foundation movement (settlement or heave)This pattern is classic for:Differential foundation settlementSoil shrink/swell (expansive clay, poor drainage)Localized footing movement (corner or bearing point)The stair-step pattern forms because masonry is weakest at mortar joints, so stress releases there.How I’d classify itCategory: Structural movement crackSeverity: Moderate (possibly increasing)Risk: Needs monitoring; may require repair beyond cosmeticWhat would raise concernCrack width > ~⅛ inchNoticeable brick displacement (one side proud)Interior drywall cracks aligning with this locationDoors/windows near this area sticking🧠 Why these two cracks have different causes (important)Even though they’re on the same wall:1. global wall movement (temperature / restraint)2.  
Rob Schwartz How Are You Handling Tenant Screening?
5 January 2026 | 7 replies
This rule is roughly patterned after the ratios used when qualifying for a mortgage.To that end, I employ a SECOND RULE.
Alexandra Isenhour Where do you place investment money while waiting on a deal?
22 December 2025 | 6 replies
Doesn't completely solve the problem...but lessens.
Johnnie Fair What is the best option for me to purchase?
29 December 2025 | 3 replies
They do lessen your fees.  
Robert Leitner Renew 1yr lease or month-to-month with recent late rental payments
6 January 2026 | 6 replies
Robert, given the recent payment pattern, allowing the lease to convert to month to month while monitoring consistency is a smart approach.
Rob Bergeron Tokenization of Real-World Assets: Where Things Are Quietly Heading
31 December 2025 | 2 replies
There’s a pattern I keep noticing.
Amir Portal Direct booking site – is it really worth it long term?
6 January 2026 | 18 replies
For me, I want to lessen my dependency on the OTAs.
William T parkerIii How do I start the BRRR method with a home I own outright?
6 January 2026 | 5 replies
Just trying to gain wisdom in the space and learn from you guys so I can lessen the blows that will inevitably be taken lol
Svend W. Cracking down on dog poop in back yard
1 January 2026 | 27 replies
•If they clean up and stop, you can’t evict over past incidents—but repeated violations mean new notices, and judges usually side with landlords if there’s a documented pattern.4.
Mark Bassali Why Solid DSCR Deals Still Fall Apart
17 December 2025 | 3 replies
Quote from @Mark Bassali: After reviewing a lot of dscr files that didn’t make it to the finish line, a few patterns keep showing up:• Deals that “cash flow” on paper, but don’t qualify under the lender’s rent methodology• Reserve and liquidity requirements surfacing late and killing momentum• Assumption that all dscr lenders underwrite the same (they don’t)• DSCR being forced on deals that still need seasoning or stabilizationThe deal itself usually isn’t bad, the structure and lender fit are.When dscr is matched correctly to the asset, market, and timing, it’s one of the cleanest tools investors have.