All Forum Posts by: David J Lepard
David J Lepard has started 6 posts and replied 25 times.
Post: Buying a property and immediately removing a mobile home

- Rental Property Investor
- New York City, NY
- Posts 27
- Votes 12
Hi All,
I’d love your ideas on this: there’s a mobile home on the lot next to our short term rental (str) property that is long since abandoned. Its a bit of an eyesore (only when driving up the road—thankfully it can’t be seen once at the house). I’d like to buy the lot its on--which i think I can do as it's being foreclosed on for back taxes later this year, and I’m wondering what to do with the mobile home. The price i would offer for the lot would be dependent upon the costs of clearing the lot of the home. Renting it out as-is is not a desirable option (and it's unclear whether its even habitable at this point). The options I’ve identified are:
1) attempt to ‘sell’ the mobile home: I say ‘sell’ because I would sell for $0 if the purchaser would pay moving costs. I don’t expect to make any money off of this, although if I did, great. I considered calling local mobile home parks nearby as part of this plan.
2) Somehow donate it for the write off. I 'm guessing this is only an option if it's habitable. I assume I’d be paying removal costs.
3) have a hauling company take it away. I’ve seen estimates for $2-5k. ( Does that seem accurate?)
4) have the fire department perform a controlled burn for training purposes. I’ve heard of this working for others but I immediately dismissed this option as its a wooded area and I don't want burn scars on the land.
What else could I do? What should I consider regarding the above options? Any ideas are greatly appreciated.
Post: Choosing a mattress for a STR

- Rental Property Investor
- New York City, NY
- Posts 27
- Votes 12
We have Casper at home and its held up extremely well for almost 2 years. At our STR we have Zinus mattresses (referenced above) bought on amazon for 1/4 the price. No complaints so far--they off gas way less than the Casper.
Post: Real Estate CPA in NYC area

- Rental Property Investor
- New York City, NY
- Posts 27
- Votes 12
@Dmitriy Fomichenko thanks very much for the recommendation! @Nathaniel Busch I will be in touch.
Post: Real Estate CPA in NYC area

- Rental Property Investor
- New York City, NY
- Posts 27
- Votes 12
I'm looking for a CPA who specializes in real estate in the NYC area. Has anyone worked with a person or firm they'd recommend?
thanks in advance!
Post: Different interest rates for primary or vacation homes

- Rental Property Investor
- New York City, NY
- Posts 27
- Votes 12
Hi All,
Wondering if anyone has experience with this area of lending: it seems like lenders offer different interest rates based on whether a home is a primary residence or 2nd/Vacation property. Does anyone know whether the lender has any discretion on this? (For example, if one's primary residence is a rental therefore this would be their first mortgage.) Of course I don't want to misrepresent my intent with the property to the bank, but I'm happy to attempt to negotiate if there is any chance for wiggle room.
Thanks!