All Forum Posts by: Brad Friesen

Ben D I would definitely agree with Andrea M.

Excellent communication with your property manager is an absolute must for out of state property managers. I own several properties, but I try to communicate with my property managers at least once a week. Even if there's nothing going on with my property's (i.e. vacancies, evictions, repairs, etc.). It helps to maintain a good working relationship with them.

If you are experiencing issues you need to get them resolved ASAP. Have you tried talking to your PM about their lack of communication and your concerns? Maybe they're not aware that there's a problem and if you bring it up perhaps something can be worked out.

Regardless, I would definitely read over your contract with them and see if there are any cancellation fees. If it's only a couple hundred bucks, it might be worth it to get out of that contract and hire a different PM.

I would also flip it. Then take your profits and put them right back into another deal, which could either be another flip or a buy and hold :)

@Kyle J since you've used both methods, how would you compare the quality and overall appearance of the Rustoleum products to a good old fashioned paint job?

I've seen a few projects here on BiggerPockets where Rustoleum was used for the counters and the cabinets. Looks great! I definitely want to try it out on some of my rentals.

You definitely don't need to install granite countertops for Section 8 rentals. Having said that, be sure to check out what your competition has for amenities. If all your rental comps have granite countertops in your neighborhood, then you may actually need to install granite.

Be sure to check out the Section 8 landlord's guide for Massachusetts. http://www.massresources.org/section8-landlords-guide.html

Sent you a PM

Christopher Boggs that looks awesome! I think I just might have to try out the Rust-Oleum on some of my rentals.

Thanks for all the tips everyone. Karen Margrave that's a very good point about the black shingles. I will choose another color. The Sherwin Williams site is pretty handy. Too many colors to pick from!

J Scott what are the exact colors that you used?

Thanks everyone!

Lisa Maceda - I just checked out Houzz. Pretty cool site. I'll be checking there again for other ideas in the future.

J Scott - Nice looking house! It's hard to tell with the lighting in the picture, but is the front door the same color as the shutters?

I'm trying to come up with some ideas for painting the exterior of our latest flip. It's a little tricky because of the stone work on the front. We will also be replacing the shingles. I was thinking about using black shingles as they will match every imaginable paint scheme.

Here are a couple pictures showing the original color. Any suggestions?