All Forum Posts by: Dennis P.

 Great job on 9 houses in 4.5 years! Very impressive!

Thanks for the link to the blog post. Very helpful! I am wondering if there is an example of a lease agreement with all these points.

I am torn between plex and single-family houses (SFH). Read somewhere that SFH in solid blue collar neighborhoods is a safe strategy. As a beginner, I am looking for safe investments.

Hi,

I hear your woes and share your pain. Had to pay some hefty sums to learn these lessons in other industries.

Nevertheless, let's flip the topic. What a resource or two have helped you the most? This website goes without saying. ;-)

@ Jean Norton

Found your blog and post. Nicely done!

@ Matthew Kritzer

Thanks for sharing your wisdom. If I ever need an attorney in Virginia, you'll be the first I call.

Hello Susan,

I think it makes sense to determine a price range of a property that you are looking at. Then, call local lenders (banks), and tell them what you want and what you've got. Compare their quotes and choose the best. I know that PenFed has pretty straightforward offers.

Let the rest of us here know how it goes for you.

Hi everyone,

How does one become a landlord? Granted one has a great credit history and a sum sufficient for a down payment. Can you please share how you started or point to resouces that can be helpful to someone looking to create a cash flow from renting.

For example, these questions come to mind:

Where to look for plexes?

How to find a property that will be attractive to tenats?

What are ins and outs of being a renter?

Anything else that you would recommend?

Thanks in advance!

Hello everyone,

How do you decide whether a deal is fraudulent? What lacmus tests do you use?

I think every beginning investor has to answer such questions.

Best Regards,

Hello everyone,

First of all, thanks to fatwallet I've earned thousands of dollars and have a great credit history. As I am thinking about retirement, I am looking at real estate. Currently I am in <a href="/profile/basics">an Eastern Europen country</a> with ever-devaluing local currency.

My first question is, how do people decide whether to invest in real estate or buy RE bonds? I do not trust markets so I am naturally inclined to buying real estate.

Further, suppose I live overseas but have a friend-realtor who can find a property for me and, hopefully manage it for me. How does one find promising neighborhoods? Of course, I am going to ask for his advice but I also need to educate myself.

What bothers me is taxes. Right now I do not pay taxes in the States. Buying property makes me tax-obliged, isn't it? Why do loan companies ask whether it is first or investment property? I am planning to go with PenFed (kudos to SIS). Also, I am not planning to evade taxes but would like to circumvent them wherever it is lawful. Where can I learn more about tax-related questions for non-residents buying investment property in the U.S.?

Any help and guidance will be greatly appreciated!