Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2015 · 31 posts · 21 votes
I just got back from my second trip to Birmingham. I've been working with @Rob Drum (realtor) and @Mark Byers (prop manager) and they have done just about everything possible to justify my confidence in them. Birmingham is a good market and I have no doubt that many good options are out there, but I want to endorse those two heartily. Mark has done a great work in shielding me from the day to day of property management and Rob talked me down from a potential flip that could have been very lucrative for him from a commission standpoint, but likely wouldn't have worked out so well for me. Getting to work with them and to know them has been a pleasure.
Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2015 · 31 posts · 21 votes
7y
Rob, I appreciate that. But, if I'm easy to work with, it's mainly because I am trying to avoid being a perpetual tire kicker. To any newbies (even newer than myself, I mean) I would just ask you this: do your diligence, but don't suck the time of the people your work with. At the end of the day, this all has risk and sometimes, we need to either "use the toilet, or get off of the toilet". If you aren't ready, you aren't ready. No shame in that. But, the cliche is true, it gets easier with every transaction. The limited experience I have bears that out.
Real Estate Broker · Birmingham, AL · Member since 2018 · 264 posts · 381 votes
7y
Originally posted by @Account Closed:
I just got back from my second trip to Birmingham. I've been working with @Rob Drum (realtor) and @Mark Byers (prop manager) and they have done just about everything possible to justify my confidence in them. Birmingham is a good market and I have no doubt that many good options are out there, but I want to endorse those two heartily. Mark has done a great work in shielding me from the day to day of property management and Rob talked me down from a potential flip that could have been very lucrative for him from a commission standpoint, but likely wouldn't have worked out so well for me. Getting to work with them and to know them has been a pleasure.
Both are solid guys. They have local knowledge about Birmingham.
Just make sure if they talk you out of something they can talk you into something that is going to make you money. It's alright to put that pressure on them too ha.
Rental Property Investor · Culver City, CA · Member since 2012 · 403 posts · 246 votes
7y
I also recommend @Rob Drum and @Mark Byers. I've worked with both as well and they're great. I can't wait for them to talk me into something that makes money! :) (thanks @Jason Cory)
Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 164 posts · 107 votes
6y
@Account Closed good to see you recommend those guys. Rob was a huge help on the first few properties we put in offers for. Luckily, I am closing on my first property in a few weeks. How have your Birmingham properties been working out for you?
Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2014 · 33 posts · 6 votes
5y
Hey Doug, I am considering working with Rob also on purchasing a rental property in Birmingham. Do you own any rentals in Birmingham and did you have any issues getting them rented?
Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 164 posts · 107 votes
5y
@Richard V. what parts of town are you looking in? I have 3 in Bham, 2 purchased from wholesalers and 1 from the MLS with Rob. I was able to get my first one in pleasant grove rented out in less than 30 days, the hueytown one is going up on the market this week and then I am closing on one in Midfield in a few weeks that I am hoping to get rented out before the new year also.
Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2015 · 31 posts · 21 votes
5y
@Richard V. My wife and I have two in Hoover and one in Helena. Zero issues getting them rented. I mean, fill times have been anywhere from 2 weeks to maybe 6 weeks. I was never worried, so it must not have been long.
Pulpit time: We have had good experiences with all of our real estate purchases thus far (numbering 6 across three states-including primary residencences, as well as rentals). Lay out a healthy down payment, stay in warm weather areas and look for good schools (in as much as I can trust public schools, but that is another story).
It's not the only way to invest, but it has just worked for us. Hoover and Helena have pretty good schools, so that fits our model. We probably get an average of about 1400 a month in gross rent off of properties worth about 195k each and bought for about 180k or so each. You can cash flow better in other areas on Bham, but you will have more drama. It's totally viable, just not my bag.
Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 164 posts · 107 votes
5y
@Richard V. Ive only been doing this for 6 months, but it seems as if the Birmingham inventory has tightened up a little bit. Im not seeing a lot on the MLS and my list of wholesalers doesnt have much available in my target zips either. Welcome to Birmingham and good luck!