Bigger Pockets for what?

[Ian Robinson]

Hello all... general question for everyone.  What do you find to be the most valuable tool provided by being a Bigger Pockets Pro member?  Honestly.  

   I am new to the Pro membership.  I was hoping to connect with real estate pros that could offer me advice regarding my investment property.  Instead, I see spreadsheets that do math I can do myself.  I see "local" Pros that are anything but local and seem very inaccessible.  Also, I have been lectured to by another member after posting in a forum for the first time.  I simply do not see what value I am getting after paying for a membership.  I hate to be negative, and its definitely possible that I am missing something.  But, my current perspective is...  THIS KINDA SUCKS and feels a bit scammy at this point.

[JD Martin]

Quote from @Ian Robinson:

Thanks for the tips.  I was frustrated because I was disrespected pretty harshly by another investor in a different forum.  That was exactly the kind of thing I was hoping to avoid here. I could use solid and experienced advice... not a rude lecture without knowing the details.  So.. thank you guys for being kind.  

   I purchased a 4-unit apartment building 2.5 years ago.  It is technically 2 buildings, therefore 2 different roofs.  During a bad storm, one roof started leaking and caused minor damage inside. My insurance would not cover it, stating that the roof was 10 years old and the damage wasn't caused by the storm.  I then hired a contractor to replace the roof.  The new roof leaks worse than the old roof.  They attempted to "fix" it to no avail.  I was told by multiple attorneys that they would not take the case.  It would cost nearly as much to litigate as I lost in the roof.  Apparently, even then, there is no guarantee of compensation.  

   I recently had 2 tenants move out.  This offers me the opportunity to renovate those units and increase the rent in both.  I work out of town, so I need to hire a contractor to do the work.  I am new to real estate investing, but I just didn't factor in a 2nd roof in any of my calculations.  Obviously this changes things.  I would like to finance this work, but I could use some advice before moving forward if I'm being honest.

 I know the thread you're discussing (in fact I think I was the first person to post in that thread). I think you're taking the replies from the poster in question too personally. What advice specifically are you looking for? You said that you had a guarantee and that they came back out to fix it but it's worse than before. If you're unwilling to press the issue with the roofing company you're going to either have to absorb the cost or initiate litigation. You don't necessarily have to use an attorney if you're looking to avoid that cost but you will probably be unsuccessful without one unless you aim for small claims court which will cap your possible recovery amount.

As for BP, it's not a fair characterization to portray it as "scammy". The benefits offered by a Pro membership are enumerated pretty clearly in the sign-up process. There are a lot of things you can use here for free (such as the forums) so it's not required. Like most things in life, your return is likely to be equal to your investment. What you put in is what you'll get out.