All Forum Posts by: Eric Raslich

Thanks for the advice on the photography. I got a Canon SL1, so not exactly top of the line, but I've done some fun stuff with it so far. It can auto bracket/HDR if I ask it nicely. I've been using a 50mm to shoot the inside of my current abode for practice, it works alright in my experience. 

I read that article, they are good reminders, but not really anything I haven't thought about. Unfortunately things are very expensive down here (in my opinion) and it doesn't seem to be as simple as in other markets. By my calculations I can make it work but it'll be tight given my personal financial situation. I really want to get a local, first-hand homeowner with some experience to talk me through the complicated flood and wind insurance that is required down here. Plus I'm looking at a house in historic Tavernier so I'm sure there's some complications there as well.

I'd just like to throw it out there that, while I don't have a lot of knowledge in the real estate sector, I do have a nice camera and a decent eye for photography. I can at least take better pictures of your property than a phone-camera. I know some of the mediocre craigslist photography was a big turn off for me while I was looking for places to rent, so if you're looking to step your photography game up in between tenants in the Florida Keys (prefer upper and middle keys at the moment, but could be willing to travel to the lower keys for the right opportunity), shoot me a message on here.

I would also be willing to help with light cleaning if necessary in between tenants. I'm looking to get a better broad picture of what is involved with being a landlord, and would obviously also like to pick your brain about the process and lessons you've learned.

Would definitely be interested in hearing from more people about their experiences buying in the Keys. I think we are all familiar with the rental costs down here, so as I'm not in a full time job I'm trying to find the right time to get into a small multi-unit place that I can use to at least cushion my housing expenses. I'm pretty new to all of this, but very motivated to find something that'll stick long term.

I think you need to be looking into "refinancing" and not "consolidation" though. You're describing refinancing but saying consolidation. Consolidation will just do a weighted average of your loans where refinancing you should be able to get a lower interest rate.