All Forum Posts by: Bob Chang

Update:

I sent a number of inquiries by email to different agencies and departments in the county and state.  I got a response from 2 county agents who stated the enforcement of the handicap parking spot is handled by the Attorney General's and Department of Justice offices. Responsibility of compliance falls back on me.  That makes sense to me but I'm still waiting to hear back from my lawyer.

Thanks Todd.  I'm talking to my lawyer now.  I'll post back what I end up doing and how it turned out.

I have quadplex with an 7 spot parking lot and was asked by a tenant to make one of the spots reserved for handicap vehicles.  I don't have an issue doing so but have a couple questions and looking for anyone's experience or advice.

- Who is responsible for enforcing the rules around the handicap spot?

- Does the lease need to be modified to include language regarding the handicap spot?

- Would the handicap spot affect my property insurance?  If so, how?

Thank you,

Bob

@David Gatlin I got started figuring out how to find good properties (and I'm still learning).  Focus on a specific area, smaller the better, as you get more familiar with how things work, expand from there.  Find real estate agents willing to work with you.  I have regular check-ins with 6 agents in the 3 areas I like to focus on.  I keep a spreadsheet of properties I've analyzed and that includes ones I have no intention of making offers on but once they sell, I compare it to what I thought it might sell for.  I treat it like a game.

@Austin Whitcomb,

In 2018, I purchased a quadplex in Frostburg. Overall, it’s been a good experience but I have some reservations about investing more in that area. Regardless of the pandemic conditions, my biggest challenge has been with finding contractors. I own a duplex in Hagerstown which is somewhat similar to Montgomery County where you can throw a rock a hit a carpenter, a plumber, a landscaper, an HVAC guy and a slew real estate agents with the same rock. Forget about Yelp, Angie’s List or Task Rabbit, I’ve only been able to find competent contractors by word of mouth. I got to know all of my neighbors and their referrals have worked out well. The problem is, the good ones are often busy.

I was quoted 12% and higher by 3 local property management companies. I ended up finding a good fit with one out of Winchester, Virginia. My advice is shop around and find a PM that you like and can work with you rather than for you.

The pace of things is little bit different. In my experience, maybe because it’s a rural area, but I do not expect people to call me back the same day. I get better results with texting and worse with email. This is probably universal but you have to figure out how best to communicate with people before settings any expectations.

All of my tenants have been really good. I inherited all of them who were also long-term residents (5 years+). I feel this actually helped when I first bought the place because I didn’t really need to update anything. In fact, I’m refurbishing the first vacant unit now with the carpenter who travels from Frederick, MD.

I hope this helps. I don’t frequent BP as often as I’d like but the information here has been invaluable.

Regards,

Bob

Hello, I'm renovating one side of a duplex in Hagerstown, Maryland (outside of the city) and need a licensed electrician to rewire the unit. The house was built in the mid-50s and the walls are plaster.  All recommendations would be much appreciated!

Thank you,

Bob

Hello BP,

I'm currently under contract on a 4 unit property in Frostburg, Md and in need of an appraiser.  Would anyone like to recommend someone?

Thank you,

Bob