All Forum Posts by: Dawn Anastasi

 You can use the website AffordableHousing.com and it will give you a rent reasonable-ness estimate of what you can rent your property for.

The rent estimates vary by zip code, amenities, etc. There's no one set rent amount for a 2-bedroom house, for example.

The most challenging things about working with the Section 8 program:

+ The government schedules things when its available, not when you're available. You're expected to be on their timetable.

+ If you don't attend the inspection you may get surprised by their inspection report. Always attend the inspections. Always meet the inspectors.

+ Even though the tenants put down a security deposit, it may not be their own money. Some tenants get security deposit assistance, so in the end, they have none of their own money on the line. Don't let tenants get behind on rent. You'll never recover it because they have no money to pay a court judgment and no assets to attach a lien on. They may not even have enough wages to garnish.

+ Be sure to get previous landlord references. I had one who told me, "Well, you'll always get your rent on the first of the month from the government. But this tenant will NOT take care of the property." I did not accept that applicant.

Knight Plumbing is good but expensive.

Please register here

Tremendous opportunity to network with other Milwaukee-area real estate investors and soon-to-be investors!

You can definitely get some cheap duplexes in Milwaukee. However you'd need to check them out:

1) How much deferred maintenance?

2) How much future CapEx is coming? How old are the roofs, furnaces, etc?

3) How often are tenants late on rent and how many evictions for non-payment has the PM had to do?

4) Have you seen pictures of these properties?

I looked back on this thread after 7 years. I've changed my tune -- I love gray with white trim now. Just in time for gray to start falling out of fashion!

I would also recommend SVA in Brookfield.

I use "As New Appliances" in West Allis. They offer delivery for a small fee and removal of the old appliance. I've used them for years and always had great service.

Register Here

Remember that "landlording” is a business — Take yours to the next level by educating yourself on how to better manage your tenants and avoid costly errors!

What you will learn at the Apartment Association's 2022 Landlord Boot Camp!

1. How to properly screen prospective tenants.

2. How to draft written screening criteria to assist you in the selection process.

3. How to comply with both federal and state Fair Housing laws including how to comply with "reasonable modifications” and "reasonable accommodations” requests.

4. How to legally reject an applicant.

5. What rental documents you should be using and why.

6. When you should be using a 5-day notice versus a 14-day notice, 28-day notice, or 30-day notice and how to properly serve the notice on your tenant Wisconsin Eviction Notices requirements have changed a lot in the past few years, with major changes in March 2016 and again in March 2018.

7. Everything you wanted to know (and probably even more than you wanted to know) about the Residential Rental Practices (ATCP 134) and how to avoid having to pay double damages to your tenant for breaching ATCP 134.

8. When you are legally allowed to enter your tenant’s apartment.

9. How to properly draft an eviction summons and complaint.

10. What to do to keep the commissioner from dismissing your eviction suit.

11. What you can legally deduct from a security deposit.

12. How to properly draft a security deposit transmittal / 21-day letter.

13. How to handle pet damage.

14. What to do with a tenant’s abandoned property and how this may affect whether or not you file an eviction suit.

15. How to pursue your ex-tenant for damages to your rental property and past due rent (and whether it is even worth it to do so).

16. An ample question and answer period. This alone is worth the admission.

. . . and much more.

All this for less than you would pay for an hour of an attorney's time.

Those serious about being landlords should join a landlord association like the AASEW. There's been an increased attack on landlords and the "free rent" society. Now more than ever it's important that landlords stick together and work together especially on the legislative side, not only for networking and education. I believe all landlords in Milwaukee should join a legislatively focused group like the AASEW (Apartment Association of Southeastern WI). This is not just for apartment building owners -- it encompasses ALL landlords.