All Forum Posts by: Geoff Bishop

Has anyone had a problem with Identity Theft?

The reason I'm asking is when I deal with banks and mortgage brokers, they ask for EVERYTHING, including Social Security Number, Tax Returns, etc.  I even had a broker ask for my mother's maiden name.  Is that appropriate?

And does anyone use "Life-Lock" or any of those Credit Locking tools?

Thanks.

What computing & other tools do Investors use, and why?
I'm thinking about the following toolset:

HOME COMPUTER  Desktop Computer with 2 monitors, full keyboard, full mouse, printer, scanner, and MS Office Software.  This will let me do serious analysis and research work at home.

MOBILE COMPUTER  None.  No Laptop.  Will use a mobile phone instead, when on the go.

TABLET COMPUTER  None.  No Tablet.  I find these to be toys, and not serious business devices.  Plus, with only one real computer, I won't have to worry about syncing any files.

PHONE  Large screen Android phone with Bluetooth headset for phone calls.  Larger screen will be good for browsing the web when I'm in the field.  (I'm sure iPhones are fine; I'm just not an Apple person.)  Hopefully I can find one that makes dictation easy; Seems like that might be useful.

VEHICLE  What is an ideal vehicle for property hunting, showing, and deal-making?  I'm thinking a sedan or SUV.  I need to trade in my little 350Z for something a bit more real-state focused.

Are fax machines still necessary?  Video Camera?  Still-Shot Camera?  What tools do you love?

 Oh, that was the first thing I did.  :-)

Sigh.  Why do these websites have to be SO TERRIBLE?  Zillow's information is way out of date.  Neither Zillow or Redfin have even basic drawing tools for the map features.  I have to draw a freehand rectangle (or worse, circle) with the mouse?  Really?  Redfin seems to have extremely limited search criteria; either that or it's well-hidden and I can't eve find it.  There are no features for turning off ads.  Why?  I'll pay.  Who is designing these?  It's like a contest to see who can create the clunkiest tools  What do the pros use?  Surely there is something better.  Ugh.

Hello Richmonders.

I am brand new to BP and soaking up info as fast as I can. I'm looking to get into a multi-family property, stop paying rent, and start collecting it. I've lived here for a couple of years, so I know a little about the city, but don't know where to find good deals, or how to quickly weed out properties that won't cash flow.

Would like to meet those who know how to efficiently find deals and/or rehab properties for a fixed (guaranteed) cost. I'm eager to buy something, but at the same time, want my first deal to be a smart one.

Chapter 8 - "Start with the end in mind." needs to be changed to "Begin with the end in mind", and Steven Covey needs to be changed to Stephen Covey.

Page 58 - Typo - "types on real estate" --> "types of real estate".

Excellent guide overall!  Thank you very much.

For those who want to fix and flip properties in the Richmond area, I would suggest "Carytown".  It's one of the few truly "walkable" (safe) areas in Richmond, with shops and restaurants, and the houses are old.  It's close to VCU and downtown, but the prices are not yet totally out of control, like they are in "The Fan" or the "West End".  Not sure what restrictions there may be when it comes to remodeling...

I'm in Richmond also.  I have been looking for a house here for about a year, but have not had a lot of success finding a good value.  Many of the homes are very old.  I think it's a great town if you know how to remodel homes.  It's not so great if you want something new, unless you're OK with a commute.  It seems to be a seller's market right now (09/2016).  There is a lot of history here.  Great town for a history buff.  Tons of great food.