All Forum Posts by: AJ Sherman

@J Martin Thank you for putting this event together. Another vote from me for having this again next year. I learned more last weekend than the last year of scouring BP! Great to network and finally meet folks in person. Thank you!

@Federico Gutierrez Thanks for the insight. Yes, I think I've got a much better idea of this location thanks to everyone's feedback!

@James Wise Thanks so much. This is a great guide and neighborhood map. It is a huge help. Much appreciated!

@Jad Boudiab Thanks for the on the ground insight and advice on the area. Looks like it is just east of 150th street. Great to know about that neighborhood marker. Thanks again.

Hi all. I'm looking at a deal the came through in Cleveland. It is a SFH located in Kamm's Corner, Zip is 44111...house is on Bidwell. The analysis looks good, but the zip's crime rate rating is very high from my research. I've never purchased in Cleveland. Can anyone give me the low down on this zip and area? Thank you.

Hello. I am attempting to move past the analysis paralysis phase and am looking at SFH properties in the $100k range in the greater Cleveland area, i.e. Lakewood, Barea, Shaker Heights, Bedford.

I am working through an on the ground agent who is investor friendly. 

Looking at the properties, I'm noticing many are built in the early 1900s, 1917 to 1925.  There are also some more expensive options built in the 70s.  My assumption is that I should be weary of good looking cash flow properties that are that are the older ones above.  Any advise here on how I can/should narrow my search?  Is it less about the age of the home and more about how well the properties have been maintained over time? 

Also, I notice that many do not have a garage.  Is that not out of the ordinary in these areas?  Seems to me a garage would be key in this region.  Thanks for your advice.

Hi Tim.  I'd welcome that.  I'll shoot you my info.  I'm hoping to jump in with my first property start of 2015.  Will be around for the holiday's if you want to meet up.  Cheers.

Hi Tim. Welcome. I am a fellow lurker here on the site. It has been a fantastic place to learn. I was born in the U.S. but have been in Singapore for the last 5 years. I'm here near Bukit Timah. I'm currently trying to overcome my analysis paralysis phase and have been diligently preparing to start my investing in 2015. I plan to be in the US looking at turnkeys start of next year. Glad to see another member from Singapore. Best of luck to you!

I am currrently in the self-education mode, analyzing deals and learning the ropes.  To get the most accuracy, how do most folks estimate property taxes?

The property I'm analyzing is in the Seattle, WA area.  I looked on the county website, and I found info on the "Taxable Property Value" per the lot I'm looking at.  However, I can't find the property tax %.  When I searched online, I was pointed to a "Total Consolidated Levy" on the same county website.  It is 4.2.  Is this what I'm looking for?

My final calucation is:

("Taxable Property Value" / 1000) x "Total Consolidated Levy"

($111k / 1000) x 4.2 = $466/yr

Thanks,

Adrian

Thanks all. I'll check out Redfin, but it sounds like MLS is the only way to go.

Any other recommendations on learning the numbers. Books, guides, etc.?

Cheers.