All Forum Posts by: Dave M.

Hey Colin - welcome to BP!

Your enthusiasm will serve you well. Having a background in construction is an asset as well. Find some way to put your skills to work while learning REI - ask lots of questions along the way.

Understand your deficiencies - you mentioned capital/credit. Work on overcoming those or find others who complement your abilities. Good luck!

Originally posted by Jon K.:

In that image it looks like the paint is peeling off in a rectangle shape. Makes me think there was a previous repair there. Not sure what the "pan" you found behind the drywall could be.

It looks like the damage is right next to crown moulding? How is the wall in that area? Water will often follow your pipes or floor joists horizontally and also cause damage to nearby wall(s).

Hopefully you caught soon enough to minimize damage. I wouldn't wait a couple weeks to get it fixed as the damage will only get worse (and more $) if you continue to use the shower.

Maybe the 2nd structure does add substantially to the premium, my building just has a parking pad so I have no experience.

I use John Anda @ Farmer's [REMOVED]. My monthly insurance expense is lower and I paid a fair bit more than you. I'd say, especially if you're happy living in the location you bought you got a great deal!

Happy Birthday!

Glad to hear you are feeling better.

Your insurance seems really steep.
Taxes aren't terrible, but if you haven't already its worth appealing your assessed value:
http://www.cookcountyassessor.com/appealssublinks.aspx

Either of these thinks could help your numbers.

Jennifer:

Just curious, I didn't see you post this detail.

Were you there for the showing, i.e. could the agent reason that the client was not unattended in the property? Or did you witness this on the security video, i.e. agent left client unattended and thought "nobody will ever find out"?

Chris has a great point - this will also allow your joists and anything else that got wet a better chance to dry thoroughly which may prevent problems with mold that Jeff S. referenced.

Hopefully it doesnt happen again!

Any chance there was another showing(s) and items were actually stolen by someone else?

Hopefully you get it cleared up without further issue.

Padlister was the other one I used. I agree there's no point in paid advertising.

Here is a link to a similar recent thread with additional ideas:
http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/73903-for-rent-advertising?page=1