All Forum Posts by: John Reynolds

Regarding the incarceration rate information, there is a documentary out entitled Milwaukee, 53206 that focuses on the effects of mass incarceration.  In this documentary, they state that something like 62% of the area’s population either has been or still is incarcerated.  From what I’ve read in articles about the documentary, their claim of the most incarcerated zip code in the country is based on a project by UW-Milwaukee.  For the past ten years UWM has been trying to find a zip code in the US with a higher per capita incarceration rate and so far haven’t been able to find one.  I haven’t seen the documentary yet but I think you can stream it for free on your computer right now.

Hope this helps.

@William S., I build houses in Virginia so I can't answer specifically to Milwaukee.  My partner and I have been looking into building houses in Virginia for rentals but can't make them cash flow without adding a huge down payment.  My partner is one of the biggest builders in the area so he gets low prices for materials, labor and lots and builds the houses for cost.  Even with these advantages, we still can't make it work.  I'd love to shift to rentals because I'm tired of getting hammered by income taxes.  

You mentioned 53222.  There's a 1000 sf house that looks like it needs a complete remodel for $80,000.  You couldn't buy a lot and build the same size house to the point of just needing siding, windows, paint, flooring, kitchen, bathroom and finish landscaping for $80,000.

@Mike Lowery, I’d be interested in doing something like this. From years as a contractor and parent, I’ve at least gotten pretty good at cleaning up after people. @Rebecca Holmes, please let me know if this meeting is scheduled. Thanks for all that you do.

I’ve been looking at this area as well.  From most of what I’ve seen listed, the houses seem well maintained.  Of course, I’m fairly new to Milwaukee and haven’t spent much time in that area.  I’m learning that a lot can change block by block in Milwaukee.  @Mike Lowery I’d like to hear more about your opinion on this area since you live there.  If anyone has any realtors in this area that they would recommend, I’d appreciate it.