All Forum Posts by: Danny Polanski

Im going to explain this, not just for you, but in case others are reading so they understand.

When you have a small leak in a DRAIN you simply don't use that DRAIN or any other DRAINS that are connected to leaky DRAIN.

A supply line leak is completely different than a DRAIN leak.  Pressure vs gravity. 

If you think isolating an entire house or apt is appropriate for a simple small DRAIN leak, then I am glad I am not your or the OPs tenant. 

If they are drug addicts i would expect they would jump at some decent cash to fuel their habit. 

Cash for keys is what i would try, if they wont go easy. 

Ive worked with so many agents and each one has lied. 

They are sales people, and typically dont bring anything to the table.

People that rely on selling things to others for their livelihood, will lie.

i wish we didnt need agents in this day and age. Just like car salesman very outdated middle men for no reason. 

16 hours without water is ridiculous for a small drain leak. Why wouldnt you valve off the water locally as opposed to the whole apt?

how could she use the toilet?  Wash up?

This is on the LL. 

Another possible sweetener for the 2 flat is there a basement? An attic?

Maybe a garage or car port that you can rent? 

When positioning for appreciation I have always tried to utilize every drop of possible income.

Cash flow isnt always the holy grail. 

Cheap flips are all over. Good on you to realize this. 

I would ask for the contractors contracts since you need this for warranty, and verify the work was done.

Things like putting cameras down each drain, checking all electrical, using an inspection camera between walls, checking for ice and water shield, proper waterproofing in shower by removing escutcheon plates, opening up the attic to see the roofing and trusts/joists, foundation inspections, catch basin inspections, is the bldg insulated properly, are windows installed properly? Water shed? Show up within an hour of a heavy rain, snow, etc. 

Some things are easy to hide. Some things are not as easy to hide. Look for obvious defects as well (but usually the shortcuts are hidden).

And last but not least, make sure all permits were pulled. 

I agree 100% with Tonys post. 

I would also suggest reading some home maintenance books or researching handy man/maintenance diy type learning or apprenticing.

That will help you self manage, and be confident without depending on contractors for everything. 

Look at your lease. 

Late fees? Consequences?

You can serve her a 5 day notice for violating terms of the lease (I presume) and start the eviction process. 

Or, you can work with her. But understand once you start letting lease violations go, a lease becomes unenforceable.

Me and a good friend rented a basement apt in a large bdlg (12-16 units) right next to a transitional house. 

We had no idea.

I actually befriended one of the guys there, and he turned out to be a friend for awhile and good guy.  I would guess it was more petty crime or maybe mental health stuff as opposed to violent criminals, but not sure.

Do your do diligence and if it makes cents, it makes sense. 

I would suggest house hacking where you live and can self manage to start.

However, at those prices, not sure it makes a ton of sense either. You would be positioning for appreciation. Are you cool with that?

Are 3-4 unit bldgs possible? I ask this because in Chicago 2 flats are higher priced per unit (usually) than a 3-4+ unit bldgs. Here, 2 flats are popular and attract families and prices reflect that