All Forum Posts by: Francis A.

@Aaron Sigmon

I understand what you mean regarding the large apt buildings near your condo however, do you mind giving the specific reasons peculiar to your case? As far as you can tell exactly how did those large apartment buildings affect your rental? Were these mixed use buildings or did they attract higher heeled tenants to your Condo's location etc? I am looking at a duplex that might be in the beginnings of a similar situation are you've benefitted from. The traffic isn't quite there yet so there are choices to be made. Thanks!

@Michael Seeker

I was also shocked Vegas was on the list! I'll have to make the trek there again to see for myself. Nice synopsis!

Curious to hear thoughts regarding this article.

https://www.mashvisor.com/blog/top-cities-buy-and-hold-investment-properties/

Does anyone own a rental (duplex or SFR) in Dayton's Bluff and/or have experience or knowledge about the area? I know the neighborhood isn't highly rated in relation to other areas in St Paul but I'd like to know of any problems an owner has dealt with if any. How long do your tenants tend to stay? How about security? Things along these lines. Thanks!

@Russell Brazil

My Goodness! You're a real hero. Talk about a needle in a haystack and still managing to string said proverbial needle. I didn't think I had a chance with this but I said "what the heck" and posted anyway.  I'm looking you up the next time I'm in Rockville, Thanks!

@Michael Blank 

I just sent you a PM email. Thank you!

Way out of left field question here. 

Fast food franchisors like Papa John are actively recruiting franchisees. 

I'm sure quite a few on this blog have day jobs as their primary bread and butter source of income.

Does anyone switch hit (so to speak) running a franchise restaurant while actively growing their rental portfolio?

I'm interested in the financials, plusses and minuses (if I dare say so). I'm sure it's a heavy work load to get going but that goes without saying in any meaningful endeavor aka get out of the kitchen if you can't stand the heat etc etc. ;-)

If you do, bravo because you're in one serious minority or fraternity/sorority of overachievers!   Care to share your thoughts and insight? 

Btw, this topic isn't limited to those who actually run a restaurant franchise in addition to growing a real estate rental portfolio. If you know of anyone who does and as a result, you have insights please feel free to share. 

Thanks!!!

@Sam Sharma

Regarding the isolation and property crimes in the SouthWest - WOW! I'll drive through the neighborhoods the next time I'm there. I can relate to the isolation aspect if these areas are anything like some of the suburbs in St Paul with wide open spaces. Bit thanks for the screen shot! That stadium should be something else when it's done. It looks like this place is about 6 miles from places like Concordia U, Mac College and Hamline U. Potentially a very good thing if the effects of the stadium spiral outwards and westward. 

@Account Closed

I have put a list loosely reflecting the areas in terms of ranking? Am I close? Thanks

SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS NEIGHBORHOODS

[A]

Fulton

Linden Hills

Kenwood

Lowry Hill

[B+]

Field

Northrop

[B- or C+]

Bryant

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St PAUL NEIGHBORHOODS

[A]

Highland

University – Summit

Mac / Groveland

[B]

Hamline/Midway

West Seventh??

[C & potentially looking up]

Thomas Dale (Frogtown)

I left out places like WESTSIDE. I've heard many times to bypass that area for now. Maybe one day eventually...

@Marc Jolicoeur

I’ve seen quite a few threads on Minneapolis/St. Paul. I have to say that as short as this thread is, it has to be the most informative with regards to the lay of the land in the Twin Cities! Kudos to you all!

@Marc Jolicoeur

Thanks man! I will take you up on the boots on the ground conversation. Good call pal!

@Sam Sharma

Re: Snelling and 94. Is that the area between Minnesota State fair to the north and Macalester College to the south? Would it be possible to put a screen shot of the area you're talking about on here?

@Account Closed

I'm definitely going to look at the neighborhoods you mentioned. I know the twin cites fairly well for an "out of towner", but I have to say, I haven't heard of any of those neighborhoods. Nice!

Thanks Bob!

@Carl Petterson

Thanks for the pointers! Biking through neighborhoods definitely clues you in the the lay of the land!

@Marc Jolicoeur

Local knowledge rules! Fantastic summary - kudos and a vote for your informative post! Regarding Minneapolis, I have been studying the triangular area that has all these neighborhoods you mentioned from afar sprinkled in with yearly visits to see the lay of the land for myself. Specifically, the area I’ve looked at is that area bordered to the East by the light railway line, the airport to the south, the 35W fwy to the west and just below the 94/35W to the north on and off for about 2 years.

Understandably, local RE agents are loathe to classify neighborhoods according to desirability (IE:A,B or C) for fear of running afoul of “steering” laws so it’s very helpful to know that FIELD and NORTHROP are A & B neighborhoods. Funny how so called A/B neighborhoods can be nestled not too far from you know…

On the flip side, how much is (the smaller/across the river) St Paul similar to Minneapolis ? I’m specifically referring to Summit University , Thomas Dale (Frogtown), West Seventh, West side, Macalester - Groveland, etc ? Summit – University seems to be a top choice for folks who aim to own rental units in St Paul but I’ve noticed that multi unit properties pop up with lower frequency. Frogtown seems to be at the bottom of the rung but it still seems to thrive in terms of low vacancies. West Seventh is a little higher up the ladder and seems to do well also. I’ve driven through these neighborhoods and it’s interesting to compare what I thought about them to what locals know.Good stuff pal, thanks!