Saving too much for CAPEX/Repairs?

[Ariel K.]

I own 5 small Multifamily properties in OH. I keep the bookkeeping separate for each property. I have one operating account for all of them but I know how much money is attributable to each property.

The properties are old -either built in 1900 or the 1950s. I figure $15k per property to keep in the account is enough to take care of a roof, water heater, and plumbing repair. The likelihood of all of those happening at the same time is low. Same with all of these happening to all properties at the same time.

I don't have $15k per property yet - I'm going to save this over 5 years so I can take some distributions. As of the end of the year, I predict I will have around $30k saved. Having $75k in an account seems insane, so what would you do in terms of a CAPEX/Repair account for these properties? Thanks!

[Greg Scott]

Having $75K for emergencies may be way too much for the portfolio you have, but $75K for ongoing maintenance and repairs isn't all that much.  I roof here, a driveway there, an HVAC system there, a foundation repair elsewhere could eat through that easily.

I would assess the condition of all major systems on each property and plan to have enough cash to replace each of them at the end of their useful life with some cushion for emergencies.  Today that might be $75K but next year that might be half that.