All Forum Posts by: Carolyn McNeil

@Therese V.  be sure to double check the fine print on those checks again.  I receive them monthly (although from a different credit issuer) with my credit card statements and they have always said that the check cannot be made out to myself or any other authorized user.  They treat that as a cash advance and it is not eligible for the promotion.  Your credit card issuer may allow it, but double check first if you decide to go that route.  

I just had to stop and say that this post caught my eye and the curiosity got the best of me, LOL!  I am new to BP so I can't really judge its good vs bad points but I have read A LOT in the past week just trying to gather as much information as quickly as I can and had to laugh when I saw @Bill Gulley's list. Sums it up pretty well. But, in all fairness, every online forum has the same people. The topics are different but you still have the same "Negative Nancy, Predatory Pete, Lazy Larry," etc. I am just thankful for the doors that BP opens for those of us that are new to REI. I went from feeling unsure and overwhelmed last month, to confident and focused in the past week. I now have a plan and a few names and phone numbers in my book to get me started. BP gave me the tools I needed to go from wondering how to get started to wondering why it took me so long.

@Mark Forest , is it normal in your area to not supply the kitchen appliances with a rental?  Just curious why you wouldn't include them and then tell your renter that they can negotiate a price for them.  That would be a turn-off for me as a renter.  But, if that is what everyone does in your area--go for it.  . I'm just trying to get a better feel for your market.

 I also agree with @Marcia Maynard, remove the coverings from the windows.  I would either put up an actual window covering or leave them completely open.  It will help make it look more finished.

Good Luck with your rental, hope it rents soon!

Same here.  Started yesterday for me.

I used to drive a 2002 Explorer with 235,000 miles on it until my husband wrapped it around a light pole during icy conditions a week before Christmas.  Loved that thing.  (thankfully my husband was fine, just a little shaken) Replaced it with a 2014 Town & Country.

 Funny that you should mention that...your post just triggered my keyword alert for "Michigan," LOL!

Thank you, Larry, Andrew, and Paul!  Looking forward to reading the recommended books and articles.

Hi, Alyssa!  My husband and I just made the move from Chicago to Holland and it sounds like you and I have the same dream, LOL!  Hope to meet up some day...

Hello, BP!

My name is Carolyn McNeil and my husband and I just moved to Holland in the past year with our two young boys. I am new to REI as well as the area so I am trying to learn as much as I possibly can, as quickly as I can! My husband's job affords me the opportunity to stay home with our children and so I have decided that now is the perfect time to pursue some dreams. I would ultimately like to have a diversified REI portfolio that includes some buy and holds, rehabs, and development. I am going to start with residential but would like to include commercial down the road. Would love to hear from others in the area and any tips or advice you can share with this newbie would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Carolyn