Over the weekend one of my duplexes got broken into.  It appears they did it at night and kicked down the front door.  Luckily only the door was damaged, but my tenants had some pricey goods stolen (they thanked me fo...

Hi everyone, My wife and I are preparing our first rental in Washington State. I know WA law mentions that the security deposit must be held "in trust."  My understanding is that the account must be an escrow type acc...

Our home sits on a regular shape half acre lot. The rear 25% of the lot (same with the 5 neighbors next to me) is considered a detention pond so it has a gentle slope/swale. It is DRY and only has standing water a cou...

Hi, my tenants just moved out and the property is a complete mess to the point where a full rehab may be needed. The security deposit is approximately 10% of total repairs so it won't cover most of the damages. What's...

How does one go about buying a foreclosed home? Any insights would be helpful?

I'm curious how many other LLs still do first/last/deposit? We have always done it that way but I have had some anecdotal information from potential tenants the last few rentals that more places are only starting to a...

I went to local REI talk on self-directed IRA investing. Do you think it is worth converting a traditional IRA and investing in real estate via that vehicle? Thanks. Steve

I have a family friend who is in a position to become my personal private lender.  I would like to make this as easy for him as possible.   Any advise on how I go about assisting him in setting up to do this.  I am a ...

Kwikset SmartKeys Vs. Regular LocksAs a locksmith I have used and repaired  Kwikset SmartKey locks. Occasionally folks ask me which type of lock I recommend, SmartKey locks or "regular" locks. My honest answer is that...

I am About to close on my second property!

I really need a good software program for bookkeepingb and not aure if I should buy quickbooks or a dedicated real estate program.

My business is structured in that I hav...