Closing on my first deal and I have a couple questions.

Closing on my first deal and I have a couple questions.

Daniel GonzalezPro Member
Real Estate Investor · Maplewood, NJ · Member since 2017 · 127 posts · 47 votes

Hi All,

I will be closing on my first deal in the coming weeks. I'm closing on a duplex in NJ which I intend to househack. From everything I've read and heard, having the proper systems set up when first starting out is key. I know I can't have everything set up and most likely things will change as I grow my portfolio, but I want to be as best prepared as possible. 

What bank should I put the security deposit it away in, big name or small community bank? Are there any pros cons to each. My thought is to go with a community bank to try and develop a relationship with them in the hopes of using them for refis and loans down the road. 

Should my operating account be in the same bank as the security deposit? If not any bank in particular?

Any thoughts on opening a business credit card to keep personal and business expense separate? I have some money saved for repairs and reno but somethings will need to be put on credit. From my research a business credit card does not impact your personal credit should I have a high credit utilization rate. 

Lastly, are there any technologies I should implement starting out such as Quickbooks. I want to make everything as smooth and seamless come tax time. I also just want to get started the right way, even if it is overkill for a one property portfolio. 

If there is any other advice that can be offered I'll be more than happy to hear it. I know I asked a lot but I appreciate any and all feedback from the BP community. Thanks

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  • Rental Property Investor · Orlando, FL · Member since 2017 · 138 posts · 51 votes
    7y

    Hi there! First of all -- congrats!!!

    I typically have a separate account(s) for my rental properties. I have a checking account where I accept rental payments and fees. Then I have a non-interesting bearing account to hold security deposits. Lastly I have an interest-bearing savings account for vacancy, repairs and capex.

    I keep these rental accounts separate from my personal and business accounts. Not sure how many years of income your business has, but the bank might require your SSN and the biz EIN to open the CC. In either case, the card is probably linked to you personally. But you can keep it separate and only use it for biz expenses and make payments to CC from your rental checking account.

    +1 for starting a relationship with a good local bank -- they might have more flexible options for you down the road. 

  • Daniel GonzalezPro Member
    OP
    Real Estate Investor · Maplewood, NJ · Member since 2017 · 127 posts · 47 votes
    7y

    @Account Closed

    I was thinking of having 2 accounts minimum for operations. In NJ I believe the security deposits must be put into an interest bearing account though, (don't quote me on that). 

    The rental business doesn't have any years of income this would be the 1st one. I was thinking of just creating an entity that will "manage" the property and using that as the business. I would keep the properties as a separate entity as well. This would all be down the line, but I just wanted to have the foundation set up for the future. I guess calling a CC company would be the best way to figure all that out too.

    Appreciate the advice. Thanks

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