All Forum Posts by: Al Pat

@Wade G. I buy house with intent to generate income and increase cash flow by doing value add, increased rent etc. My plan has been to use it as a retirement income source. When I have to repair the property, I see it as part of the business. If you can afford it then hold it. Short term gain vs. long term gain and benefits is what I look for.

@Adrian Vega Well, first No dinners with tenants, period. They are NOT your friends. Second, have them deposit the rent into a bank rather than you collecting. But, if you have to collect then, wait till they call or text you to come pick it up. I used to collect years ago and moved away from it.

@James Nix if I were you, I would say thank you for letting me know, I have made a note on your account to waive the fee this time, please pay the balance in 7 days.

I also have a clause in my lease that says partial rent must be paid with $25 fee.

@Brad Ger I always leave partial leftovers of gallon paint in the unit for tenants to do touch up. Always kept in the laundry room.

@Anthony Wick I use SW 6113

Interactive Cream for all my rentals. It’s from sherwin Williams and the grade is Promar 200, sorta like apartment grade. Cost effective and works well with high gloss white trims, doors, window sills. Gives you nice pop and makes room brighter and bigger. Ceiling are flat white. I was using Flat SW6113 and it was easy to retouch but then started trying out egg shell Type to see if I can wipe it.

@Amie D. 5k - 7k is way too much for 700 sq ft house. I would say go spend four days and save your self 5k and then use that savings to take a nice little vacation.

@LaRhonda M There is a free monthly meeting last Wednesday of every month for BiggerPockets members and others (not sponsored by BP). Typically 100-120 people attend. There will be one next Wednesday 7pm at Ivy at the Buckhead. It's called Atlanta REI meetup. I would recommend you start there first.

Place gets full so get there early if you plan to attend. It’s hosted by @Vince Crane.

@Michael Henry I had many doors replaced for under $200, now that is removing old door along with frame and jamb. Meaning, the whole frame comes out bare to 2x 4. If you are only swapping out a door, which is the case most of the time, then it’s only $60, if you go to Builders Surplus of Atlanta. I have changed many doors in my properties and was able to pick them up for less than $60, metal doors.

I would remove washer and dryer or place coin operated ones for extra revenue.

@Michinori Kaneko This is the time to find new property management company or start self managing until you find one. No need to debate, it’s not like you have a choice here. They sent in a contract, it will not change. So, take it or leave it and I will leave because of the terms you stated. I self manage all mine and my duplexes collect late fees all the time and it goes in my maintenance budget.

@Joe Splitrock I agree with you. I had a tenant did the exact same with me, even left an old car on the drive way. I called cops saying “Hey, my tenant is not responding and I want to wellness check on them”. I met the cop at the property, we mocked on the door (but, I knew she was gone). The main reason I called him for the auto. Well, I had it impounded and changed the locks, cleaned up and painted the house and rented it again. Never heard from the tenant.

Call the utility companies to see if the light and water is still on. If not, put it in your name and go get the place rented.