All Forum Posts by: David Lecko

#1) What is the reason/goal that got you into real estate?

I wanted to quit my job and have more time to be creative in my craft (making software). My dad almost lost his job during corporate downsizing several times before his retirement, which stressed my parents out big time. I wanted to be able to help my family financially if they needed help, and I wanted stability before starting a family.

#2) How has your business/geography changed as we have advanced into this later stage of the economic cycle? (or not changed?)

I'm not totally sure yet. Some things I learn from are Ray Dalio's How the Economic Machine Works and I am excited to hear Bruce Norris talk about economic cycles next weekend.

Here's some pictures of a vacant house I bought in February this year. It was vacant for 8 years. I had to plant grass because the yard was totally gone. It allows me to live for free while I work on my business because I rent 3 of the 5 bedrooms to friends.

Hi @Roger Covin, I'm just exploring the cold calling scenario myself and I like your question. So FSBOs, Expireds, and For Rent all make sense to me - those phone numbers are available for free.

Where would you get phone numbers for absentee owners, and how much would you be paying per number?

I have looked at whitepages.com to get numbers for $.06 each lookup, however when I search for myself they are missing my personal cell number so that makes me think other numbers may be missing or outdated as well. I still have to pay for the lookup even though my correct number didn't come back. I wouldn't want to spend time cold calling a list of numbers unless I felt good about the data.

@Samuel Rogers tell me you're serious about that app!

Hey @Trevor T. check this out http://opunplanner.com/

@Adam Fleming your county likely has a website for searching property records. Actually I'm "pretty sure" this is it (assuming North Port is in fact in Sarasota county): http://www.sc-pa.com/propertysearch

Just search for the address in that website and you'll see who the owner is, and where the owner lives. Then you can send a postcard to the owner offering to buy their property. :)

Yes! I agree @Patrick Liska. And to add to that answer... if you want to keep the receipts but you hate holding on the paper receipts, just take a picture of the receipts with the free version of the "Expensify" app and you'll have them totalled up automatically come tax time @Nathan Hood

Yes! @Account Closed So Smart. One additional thought for you... also talk to the individuals and consider having them drive for you by the hour in specific neighborhoods of your choice. The result will be a custom stream of leads you can market to right away.

Hey @John Berger, that's not a bad spot to be in!

If you aspire to have rental properties you might like the financial benefits of keeping your existing house as a rental when you buy your next primary residence, if that's an option for you.

Primary residence home mortgages have a lower interest rate than investment mortgages traditionally, so by buying your next primary residence and hanging on to your old one, you get to keep your lower interest rate on both properties.

Hi @Ben Grew, welcome to the community!

That's cool you have a construction background. If you need any tips on finding a house that needs a little rehab, I'd recommend checking out the driving for dollars bible: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/05/0...

Enjoy! See you around on the forums ;)