All Forum Posts by: Aubrey H.

One thing we always get asked is if we went to another bank recently? We started telling our bankers this up front. So they know we are only after one loan (and shopping around) and not different loans at different banks.

Just seeing how others handle the mowing at the SFH and what you see are the pros and cons of what you do or what you have done?

Right now we "hire" (my family business) the lawn mowing done but we are trying to decide if we are going to start having our tenants mow to cut costs/keep rent low. I feel like people are surprised when we say that we take care of the lawn and a few have even said that they enjoy mowing. 

From a business side I feel that we should save the money we spending on the mowing. But from an owners side I like that I know the people that are taking care of it and doing it right. 

Thoughts? 

Thanks in advance!!!  

@Dan Perrott

In your experience have most people cleaned up or have you had many who just say charge me what you need to and leave stuff?

Also has this helped to cutdown on your turnover time?

My husband and I have been renting properties for about one and a half years. As we are growing, we realize we need to have a better accounting/bookkeeping system then the one we started out with (an excel sheet). 

What have you used and what are the pros and cons?

As we are growing our rental business we would like to keep out properties looking nice, clean and kept up. 

Do you charge a fee for things like not keeping up with the lawn work or having trash in the yard?

When a tenant moves out do you keep money from their deposit for things like not replacing burnt out light bulbs, not removing screws or nails from the wall?

If you charge fees what kinds of fees and how do you go about it?

@Jordan Lucas

Hats off! Congrats on being passionate about something and wanting to learn as much as possible about it ahead of time. As a teacher I love seeing kids dreaming big and knowing it is not just handed to them! Ultimately you will have to do what is best for you and what will make you happy. Don't be a afraid to jump right in if you feel that's what is right. Whether or not you do it for life you will learn some amazing life skills and lessons.

With that being said, the teacher in me would like to see you continue your education. Maybe getting a business, management, or marketing (you do alot of this in real estate) degree. You could always try more the online method or just do part time, so you can work around your real estate.

Now you have a few years before you can get your license. What I would suggest is start talking to different brokers and companies in your area (or an area you might like to end up or be going to college). See what they have to offer you! Maybe in your area they would have an assistant position available so you can get your foot in the door before you are licensed. Ask what if takes to get your license (cost and time since it is different in every state). I would also say start saving up some money to help pay for the classes and fees!

Best of luck to you! From what I have read I think you will do amazing things in life!

Qe have a house that was converted to a multi unit. We have need getting noise complaints about loud music and the kid running around. (The upstairs tenant is the complaining about the lower unit tenants). The upstairs tenant keeps blaming the noises for not being able to sleep. But in her messages it sounds like she wakes up because of them and then can't go back to sleep. How would you handle this or any other advise?

As I have been listening to different BP podcasts (some old some new) I have just here of crowdfunding. Have you used it (either lending or borrowing)? If so what sights have you used and what did you like or not like about each one?

@Michael Kistner Do you plan on taking all of your loans to term or when they get low enough would you like to pay then off a few years early?

If you have multiple properties do you them all under one LLC or multiple? How do you decide when to get another LLC? Do you try do you try to keep the net worth under a determined amount to spread the risk?