All Forum Posts by: David B.

In response to your initial question, I never experienced any direct blowback from any townships or neighbors for that matter. I had a section 8 tenant in a A+ historic neighborhood in Wisconsin. Our immediate neighbor was the local DA, a judge and principle were on the other side and SC Johnson & Co. owned a mansion a couple houses down. No complaints at any time. Screening well is a form of respecting your neighbors regardless of what their titles maybe.

I have been dealing with section 8 for over 10 years and currently have several properties rented by section 8. In the past my local housing authority was difficult but over the years has become a viable partner. The entire experience has become more owner friendly for me here in Chicago. They have an entire office dedicated to owners and their business needs. They offer certain perks like property tax decreases for your properties with them. The service has definitely come a long way.

Regarding tenants, I screen my tenants very well which allows me to attract very tidy and respectful people. I usually have no problems come re-inspection time. Of course you have to take care of your end of the bargain as the landlord for this to be a mutual win.

This has been a strong strategy for me over the years and could definitely be very lucrative for others.

Replacement screens are available at your local Home Depot for under $10. I use to keep plenty on hand during inspections. They can adjust to the width of the window. They are by no means curb appealing, just a way of getting through the inspections in a timely matter and at low cost.

I currently have over ten properties rented to section 8 tenants. If you are well versed/read on your local guidelines you should push back. If the tenant has no access to the attic and none of their mechanicals are located up there then no access should be granted. If they see a potential problem or hazard then they may have cause. My local HA stopped the whole missing screen debacle a few years back so you should double check on that also. When new companies take over the inspection process they are often experiencing a learning curve so it is our duty as landlords and partners to help and keep them consistent.

Nice Investing

I use REO specialists, RE Brokers, bird dogs, wholesalers and sometimes just comb a few neighborhoods myself looking for potentials.

I buy distressed properties at major discounts. The cashflow provides a nice lifestyle for my family therefore i will continue to stockpile. My exit plan is to hold and pass them on to my kids.

Hey Wendell, I'm always looking for more deals. Not only section 8 but any make sense deals including commercial.

Hey Brent , I own and manage quite a few section 8 Multiunits and SFH on the south side of Chicago. Everything that Brooks stated is spot on. But I will add that it also depends on the potential tenants voucher size ( 2 bdrms, 3 bdrms ect.). The section 8 process can be a nonevent if your property is in good condition or you choose good tenants. I have over ten section 8 tenants and all of my tenants are very tidy and respectful. This may be an anomaly but big time screening helps create it. Two of my 2 flat section 8 tenants rents are $928 and $1000. They are both single men veterans with one bedroom vouchers living in two bedroom apartments. This can be a very lucrative strategy for you.

Hello Jharmaine, welcome to BP and Chicago.

Hello Stephanie, welcome to BP...it's nice that you are continuing to pursue your real estate goals..wish you the best.

Dave