All Forum Posts by: Alyssa K.

I have a SFH out of city limits on 1/2 acre that is my current live in flip. When the neighborhood was established in 2001, there was an HOA and restrictions that it enforced. At some point long before I came along the HOA was dissolved. I'm getting ready this property on the market to move into my next live in flip, and the neighbor across the street just dropped a single wide trailer in his front/side yard, didn't even attempt to buy a "cute" one, it straight up looks like an office trailer. I have an email out to my lawyer, but was curious if any of you have had luck enforcing restrictions sans an HOA. The main issue I see in enforcing is that because the HOA has been nonexistent for so long, the majority of the houses have a violation in one way or another. Suffice it to say the entire street is pretty peeved, and are looking to me to see if there is anything we can collectively do to encourage this guy to at the very least move it into his backyard off the street.

@Riley C. Millionaires are made in bad economic times. While everyone else focuses on the present, focus on your future. All numbers/factors considered of course.

@Kyler Cook This is exactly why I have purchased my investments without a realtor. Granted, all my purchases up until this point have been off market deals; but if you're making a percentage of my potential profit, I expect you to do more than answer my call and unlock the door. The second I find a realtor that's willing to put in the work I am is the second I'll sign them. I just don't think I will based on the ones I've met up until this point. At some point in the distant future I plan to get my license so I can have quick access to MLS deals, but for now it's proving more beneficial for me to operate as an investor and landlord independent of a realtor. I've also found, for me, being able to approach owners of properties as a "common joe" rather than an agent or with an agent helps us enter the conversation on similar footing, which seems to help the seller feel more at ease.

@Cassandra Sifford thank you! I’ve been working on purchasing the home next door, but so far the owner has no interest in it. He keeps saying he is “about” to move back in, but of course doesn’t. I plan to continue being the easiest option for when he does finally decide he is ready.

@Marian Smith I wondered the same, but the oldest “kid” is 17. So I assume she will be responsible for watching the younger brother when dad is out of town. As a former latch key kid myself, I figured how they manage their family life wasn’t my business as long as an appropriate aged “kid” was left in charge.

@Nathan G. This was exactly my initial thought, but I was worried I was being naive. It seems anyone could have little red flags, just wasn’t sure if this would be considered a big one. Thanks so much!

@Dennis M. Thanks for your insights and advice! So far I’ve been getting nothing but applicants who seem like they will be drama, I think primarily because the neighbors on both sides are less than stellar. I’ve already turned down 3-4 applicants because they seem like drama. Unfortunately this has been the most mild so far.

@Mark Bookhagen Absolutely, I definitely want to meet him before signing a lease, if he’s approved and gets to that point. I think it’s primarily a language barrier issue (why the wife is coordinating everything that is as she is bilingual). She FaceTimed him at the showing. Definitely trying to be patient, but I close on my next investment in Feb and so also really needing this one rented to make sure that deal goes through. It’s also an odd rental, out of city limits no HOA, and between the two worst houses in the neighborhood (one is vacant and hasn’t been mowed in years, the other runs an mechanic shop out of his yard). The neighbors have really hurt the quality of tenants I’m getting, so far this guy has been the best. 😪

@Shaun Hatton thank you! I’ve considering doing this as well, however my partner read something on BP about never accepting a lower amount for the first months rent, something about setting a precedent, but he may have misunderstood. Regardless, because of that he wanted to offer 1/2 off 2nd months rent, which just doesn’t have as good of a marketing ring to it. I dropped it $50 and have two applicants now. 🙏🏼 one checks out, or I think I’ll try your method. Thank you!

Have an applicant I was really excited about, wants to move in soon, makes substantially over 3X, states they have good credit (haven’t ran it yet), employer and previous landlord references check out...the weird thing...his wife has been doing all the communication, and came to the showing alone. I’ve never met him or spoken to him. At the showing she told me they are separating, his choice, and that’s why they are looking for a new place for him to go with the kids. Normally I don’t think I’d worry about the state of someone’s relationship as a factor, however he is a trucker, and his employer described him as a partner in the company, and said they work with his wife just as much as him. She coordinates his jobs, and they own the trucks he drives together. So my concern is the state of the relationship seems like it could have a pretty substantial impact on his future ability to earn his income. Something y’all would factor in? Or just do your due diligence and approve. I realize I can’t predict the future of anyone’s relationship and the impact it will have on their ability to pay rent, but being a newb, I’m wanting to take every logical precaution.