All Forum Posts by: Aaron Desimone

I have just started using Cozy and I really like it. I am going onto my second month with it for a SFR, and I used it for the application process. I have not found anything that I didn't like about it yet.

I advertised to rent out the 2 bed/ 1 bath apartment on CL in the top half of the duplex I live in. I rented it out 3 days before receiving a call from a very distraught women who says she wants to rent the apartment. I tell her that I am sorry but the apartment has been rented out, and say the ad was taken down so how did you get my number.  She says she saved it and is calling now to rent it.  proceeds to tell me that she is living in a condemned building with her 5 cats.  I tell her that I am sorry but it has already been rented. She then tells me that I need to tear up the new laminate flooring and put carpet in because she, and her cats, do not like laminate flooring cause it can be cold. 

these are 10-15 min conversations every day for about a week and a half.

then...

I have stopped answering her calls, the voicemails get better.  she says I own this house on the other side of town and has someone interested in buying it so they can rent to her.  No, still have no idea what place she was referring to. she leaves his name and number and demands that I call him so that he can buy it from me and rent it to her.  after a week of this she says she is giving him my number and he will call me.  next week, everyday, says he is standing outside the house waiting for me cause we made an appointment for him to see it. 

Still do not know what house it is, he never called, and at the time only owned the duplex. 

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advertised for SFR that I just got. 6pm talked to a guy who says:

Guy: we ( his whole family) are outside the house you have for rent, can you show it to us?

me: yes but not tonight

Guy: are you sure, is there a key here and we will just look inside to see if we want it.

me: (laughing a little) no, how about another day.

Guy: We can break in one of the doors if you don't mind and just take a look around

me: (frantic) NO!! NO! NO! Do not break into the house and look around!

Guy: I can look and see if a window is open.

me: we can set up a time for you to view it another day.

Guy: Ok, we are right here...

me: how about tomorrow?

Guy: ok.

No he did not rent the house, or break in.

I am dealing with putting my rental out in Craigslist right now. If any response seems odd I just move on. I have had a few odd responses just for this listing. Once entertained it seems like it never ends. I listed another apartment 6 months ago and continuously have a lady call, text, and email me. She demands that I put carpet in an apartment (which was already rented to an applicant before she called) over the brand new laminate flooring. She demands absurd things like that, calls me about renting houses I do not own, about selling houses to people I do not own. Yes I've blocked her an she will use different numbers to reach me. I only have a couple of apartments, but I gave the benefit of a doubt and entertained an odd response once and periodically get messages from here. Will not do it again. Sorry long winded. Hope this helps reinforce the fact that there are great people out there, but also some that are not so great and looking for other things besides just renting out your place.

@Daniel Hyman

Thank you for the link!

No to most of that. My suggestion is to check what an E visa is and the requirements. To obtain, and continue to be, a lawful permanent resident is completely different; And there is no quick and fast way to do it. It also comes with its own criteria. A lot of misinformation posted to nobody's benefit.

I want to thank everyone for this thread. I am applying for a HELOC on my SFR that I just completed and hoping to get about 63K (75% LTV). My thought was to use this, and the private money that I have, to purchase another property and for renovation costs. This discussion gave me a whole different outlook on money for future use.

Good afternoon @Michael Dunn

From what I understand of VA loans you are able to only have one VA loan at a time, and in order to use it for another property the first property's VA loan must be fulfilled (paid off) completely. I suppose it is possible to do what you are asking, but you would have to pay off each VA loan within a year, or perhaps refinance. Whichever lender you dealing with this would be a great question to ask them. I am sure other members here can give a more detailed and specific response then me. This is about the extent of my knowledge on VA. Hope it helps

I was just looking at the threads and saw yours. I love this idea. Thank you!

I found some spelling errors in my post, not sure how to edit it.  All I can say is that I went to public school.

@Missy H.  @Ann D.   @Jerry W.    @Brent Wooster   @Harry Metzinger  @Les Armour  @Cody Jensen   

I want to thank you all for the support you have offered.  I know a few where wondering where the bill for the oil spill is going, me too hahahaha.  Hopefully we will find out soon. 

On another note I have finally closed on the single family house.  I did have to spend some money in order to have it financed by the bank (not something I would recommend doing with many, if any properties).   It was a Fannie Mae property, and a very trying purchase.  Again my real estate agent, my lawyer, and the representative for the bank are responsible for the closing, all very professional and very patient.  At one point I got so fed up with the listing agent that I decided to become a licensed salesman myself, mostly due to the fact that the seller or listing agent would not talk to me (or anyone else for that matter) because I wasn't a real estate agent.  I signed up and took the course in about a week and a half, and just took the college test, and now an scheduling the state test hopefully in another week. 

I know a lot of people that are drawn to real estate probably have limited resources like myself, and like me when they are shelling out hard earned money they like to be involved.  I didn't take it lightly that no one was very forthcoming with information, and I like to be very involved when I am paying the ticket :). 

I closed on the property an have immediately gotten to work. I have ripped it down to studs.  I am in the process of plumbing right now.  It is daunting taking on a whole property by yourself form start to finish, and working a full time job.  I know that is why a lot of people hesitate.  I told a co worker about real estate and the benefits and he said "that's a lot of work!". Hahaha he was right, it is.  With limited resources all you need is a willingness.  It is never going to be the right time, you will be tired, sore, and even miserable at times.  You get what you put in, at least I hope. 

I am wishing that someone out there is not discouraged due to what I have wrote because that is not my intent.  I wish to be realistic, and show with a limited amount of skill (no I have never re plumbed an entire house before nor have I been shown how to), limited resources (almost no money), your time, and that hard work you can change your life.  It is not easy or glamorous, I am usually filthy, but I will tell you I never felt better than when I am working on my house.  Knowing that everything I do brings me closer to finishing it, and that I am working for myself.  I have held a lot of jobs and never have gotten more satisfaction knowing that everything I do is for me  and my families' future than right now (yes I know I am selfish).

I say if you are hesitant and waiting for that perfect moment just stop an place a bet on yourself and you will surprise yourself at how much you can accomplish.

I did get married, and we spent our honeymoon at home making calls about this house and pushing for a closing. There are sacrifices for sure, I guess only you can decide for yourself if they are worth it.  I hope everyone that reads this that is starting out decides to take a step in their life no matter how small.  It is the most exciting feeling you will have when working I can promise you that.