All Forum Posts by: Ian R.

Hey Randy, Welcome to BP! Sounds like you're off to a good start already. I'm also a newbie here in SA and I'm actively looking for my first deal. I've also been looking at auctions but haven't taken the plunge there yet due to most auctions requiring all cash purchases. But I think once I get up and running and build up some cash, I'd like to try that strategy as well. Good luck! Ian

@Will Pritchett, thanks for the response!  I suspected it was something that was just subjective in nature but wanted to be sure.

Obviously there are folks out there that love pit bulls and feel that they make great pets and get a bad wrap due to what are deemed as bad owners.  Those folks are definitely entitled to their dogs and their opinions but they don't have to live in your property with them.  They are free to buy their own home and have any dog breed they wish.  As an owner/landlord, it's just not worth the risk.  God forbid an incident occurred, you could be held liable.  And if you don't have your rental property wrapped in an entity, a lawyer could come after your primary residence and other assets.  BP actually published an article on this very topic today (see below). I highly recommend you read it.  In my opinion, you're fortunate that the tenant is on a month-to-month lease so you can give him notice of non-renewal now and get him out of your property.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/09/21/the-ultimate-comprehensive-list-of-tenant-red-flags/?utm_source=newsletter

Hey SA BP'ers,

Is there somewhere I can go to find out the ratings (i.e. A, B, C, etc) for the various neighborhoods here in SA?  Or is that something that you just learn through experience?

Thanks in advance,

Ian

David Thompson , where are the duplexes you're building? Is this the Village Builders community? Please PM me info on what projects you have in the area. This is something I might be interested in. Thanks!

Correction...call SAWS (not CPS).

Can you just factor in what you believe the water bill will be and roll it into the rent? For example, if you anticipate that the water bill will be $50 per month, per unit, then just increase the rent by $50 ($850 per month, instead of $800). You probably won't get the exact $ amount but as long as you get close, you won't be out of pocket the whole amount and it won't significantly hurt your ROI. Call CPS and see what the average bill was for the last 12 months. That should give you a pretty solid number to work with. And your future tenants will likely never know that they're really paying the bill, not you. Just an idea.

I concur with @Rick Pozos.  I'm also interested in the definition of the term "dark" side of town.

Welcome Eric! I'm also a newbie here in San Antonio. Maybe we'll run into each other at one of the local meet ups. Good to have you onboard! Ian

Hey Rick, Thanks! I saw your profile and your post about your meetings. I can't make the one tomorrow but I'll definitely try to catch the next one. Thanks for the advice and the welcome! Ian