All Forum Posts by: Jenna Stonecipher

Thanks, Jon. I was hoping to avoid even the first step of the eviction process (and save $130), but perhaps it would be prudent to go ahead and file it--just in case.

I have a tenant that has agreed to move out by the end of the month. I'm going to take him the paperwork to sign today. Regardless, I don't trust him. If he were to sign the agreement then not move out, would I have the right to move his things out and have him removed--or would I need to formally evict him anyway?

Has anyone had any experience with a tenant not honoring cash for keys?

NOLO's Every Landlord's Tax Deduction Guide is amazing. Don't borrow it; Buy it. Write in it, and reference it often.

I bought a 4plex last month that has only 1 apartment rented. While doing work in one of the vacant units, it came to our attention that there is a flea infestation. With only one tenant, the source is pretty obvious. This has to be abated before new tenants begin to rent.

What is the best way to handle this? I've called a pest guy and scheduled for him to come out. Should I speak to the tenant about this in person or in writing, both? I want to make sure this is properly documents since eviction may be in our future.

Also, if he's not abating the problem on the animal, then pest treatment will do no good. How can I ensure that he abates the problem?

The lease that he signed with the previous owner allows him to have pets, but they are awful. Is there any way that I can get the pets out without going full eviction?

@Kevin Rehak You can use the selling agent to submit your offer. In fact, you would probably have a better chance of winning the bid if you did (because the agent would be positioned to make double the commission)! Many newer folks use their own RE agent to ensure that someone is representing their interest. It's in the interest of the selling agent to sell the property--not necessarily to ensure you are buying the best property.

Best of luck!

^^^ That is the way to do it. Even in a blind bidding situation, I swear I feel like I have a better chance of winning if I agree to use the seller's agent. For a double commission, who wouldn't work harder?

@Elisha Keller I considered using NACA to buy my first multifamily, but I decided to go another route. I would love to follow you through the process. I still recommend the program to others. Perhaps you will consider doing regular updates like J. Scott has done with his New Construction and Rental property threads? Keep us posted and best of luck!

I'm going to play the devil's advocate with @Ryan Boyce here :)

I would recommend going to college for something that interests you separately from RE...unless finance or business management is something that you would go to school for anyway. If you take classes you enjoy, you will do well in them. Plus, you want a job that you will love--especially if you change your mind about REI.

And while yes, everyone here can agree that asking questions is the key to success, don't ask every question that pops into your mind. If you can find the answer out yourself, then do that first. People won't mind spending their time mentoring you if you bring questions of value. Otherwise you're just wasting someone else's time. This is incredibly important since most seasoned RE investors value their time more than anything.

PS: Tim Pommett graduated from the University of Florida with a Mechanical Engineering bachelors on May 2013. That information is on his profile.

I agree wholeheartedly with @Tim Pommett

@Stormy Hollingsworth you do not need a license to invest in real estate. You need a license to be a Real Estate Agent. Do some more research and come back with better questions. Good questions, rooted in research and action, will help you to find a mentor.

@Stormy Hollingsworth

Personally, I recommend going to college, period. I'm not one to put all of my eggs in one basket. So, I went to college and began a career--and I invest on the side. Hopefully, I'll get big enough to invest full-time at some point. For the time being though, my full-time job is great for helping me to fund my investing and also for making contacts that will benefit my investing. If I ever lose my job, I still have funds coming in from my investing. If something happens to my properties, I have a job to fund the repairs.

I'm not telling you what to do, every person and all circumstances are different...not everyone should go to college. I wouldn't go to college for RE though (I know people who have). Everything I've learned has come from reading, listening, trying and asking questions along the way. If you get your RE license, you will receive a good bit of information that is offered in college classes. Also, your local REI may host monthly seminars or classes for REIs. I've attended several of those and learned quite a bit (for much less than a college course).