All Forum Posts by: Blake Garcia

Thanks for the input, A contact sheet is how I intended it to be used.

I have 2 properties currently listed for rent when leases end this month. I have them only listed online... Zillow, Trulia, Postlets etc. I have received ton of interest by phone and email. I have inserted a link in all listings to my application page so that I can keep everyone updated on the properties status and keep track easily. NOBODY has applied with the link. Its a very basic info, no charge, I will only charge whoever I screen and backround check. Any advice or suggestions?

She moved in last June, I bought it in October and had no mention of any problems or concerns about the plumbing until now. The plumbing was higher rate because we've had a good freezing spell which makes plumbers like gold. They had to go through the drain and through the vent as well.

I appreciate the input, I have a ton of respect for active and vets and wanted to make sure that was common and not just a convenient situation. I just wanted to get some insight from both sides and make sure it was legitimate.

To the best of my knowledge she is not currently active duty because she works at a prison full time. I assume she is reserves and off for training.

I have a tenant that I inherited with the purchase of a property that is leaving 4 months early from lease for training. She had been a good renter until pouring grease down the sink and causing $327 worth of pipe cleaning by plumber. The lease holds her accountable for the negligence, but I was going to waive the repair since I've had it since October and not positive that she was guilty. The plumber noticed 3 pans of dry grease near the sink while cleaning grease from lines last week. She informed me yesterday of leaving. I am undecided about the return of her full deposit under the conditions because it is military training, which I would not question, but the negligence then notice of moving within a month. By her breaking lease I believe I can keep deposit. Return a portion of deposit? Any ideas?

Tennessee has a great tax site that is good for checking tax balances, tax appraisals, and comparing areas. http://www.assessment.state.tn.us/ It allows searching by owner name. It works best by just street name.

I currently have 3 single family properties. I try to keep at least $3k-5k on hand for each. I just found out the importance of cash reserves when I left town for 2 weeks and 2 out of 3 of my houses called needing HVAC work within a week after a good cold spell for a total of $1500. I feel that around the 5k per house leaves a fudge factor in case I need to borrow for a down payment on a good deal that may pop up.

Excellent explanation Bill. The depreciation should help offset at least a portion of the income.

I have been using buildium for 2 months now managing 14 units. It's great for costs, budgets and the money management. It allows all units or properties to stay separate or combine by owner. The online rent collection has saved me a ton of time and effort.

I have used both realtors and fsbo to purchase homes, but yesterday I tried a new avenue. I found pre foreclosures using a feature on zillow. I cross referenced it with owner info from tn state tax website and sent a hand written note to the owners. I have already received a response from the owners asking how I received their info and that they are very interested in negotiating while they still have controlled the property.