All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

No...not a protected class.  BUT, be careful--you could inadvertently discriminate based upon a protected class by using politics, in part, as the basis of your screening decisions.  Very thin ice to be skating on.  Good luck!

As you note, Allendale area is the home of GVSU.  Most of your tenants will likely be students.  Keep in mind though:  The township is not landlord or tenant friendly.  The township prefers the large apartment communities.  Their strict zoning ordinance does not allow more than one unrelated person to live in a unit, e.g. single-family home.  So, forget any chance of renting a two-bedroom to four students--can't be done.  You can't even rent a two-bedroom to three students--unless two of them are related.  There is also a property maintenance code requiring rental inspections.  I'm not saying "don't invest" there--just be informed and plan accordingly.  Good luck!

Before buying the property, I'd also review the "street file"...you can request this at the Neighborhood Improvement Department, 1120 Monroe, 3rd floor.  Just go to the counter and ask for the street file on the address you're considering.  The file contains NOV's, notices, bills, pictures, etc. for several months to several years back--can be very informative. 

If the property has a history of violations and current ones, you'll have a target on your back as soon as you take possession.  Not a problem...just be aware that the neighbors and the City will be on you fast to get things in shape.  Buy accordingly!  Also, if you're going to take more than a couple of weeks to get the property in shape, be sure to register it as a vacant unit and submit a plan to the City to keep them off your back until your done. 

Good luck!

You'll also want to check out the City of Grand Rapids website for code violations, etc.:  https://inspections.grcity.us/citizenaccess/

Hopefully this agent is well-versed on the rules of this particular MLS. A lot of MLS and REALTOR associations require a full commission be offered.

I've heard that LARA is hiring more folks to do random audits and enforcement--this could be the first of many folks facing issues.  I'm interested in hearing how this turns out as there are a gazillion new investors into the wholesale game.  I'd love it if the AG would come out with an opinion on this one so that everyone has clarification.

I'm not sure how long they keep these types of records--but guessing forever.  It's now in the public domain.

In Michigan, I'm pretty sure you can do up to 5 real estate transactions per year without a license.  However, wholesaling ruffles the feathers of licensed real estate folks as some see it as a way of simply "buying a listing" and keeping it off the market.  The deal has to be structured correctly...a good attorney familiar with this type of transaction should be able to help with all your questions.  Who did you receive the cease and desist letter from?    

I attended a conference back in June where an investor demonstrated his use of Facebook ads and Google ads as his way of getting the calls to come in. Might be worth a try.

Simple answer:  Connect with a company you can trust...you shouldn't have to worry about the rest if you do.  Get referrals from those in the know in the area where you are investing.  You should be able to discern from those connections which turn-key companies are the ones to go with. 

Sure...if you give credit to our association--this article is one of many on our website.