All Forum Posts by: Jason Allen Taylor

 They're total garbage. Those algorithmic valuations cannot detect many variables that make all the difference in the accuracy of a valuation. The results are all over the board.

IMO tenants do not care about why you want to charge more, or about your maintenance costs. They primarily care about comparing the available properties in the market and getting one at a competitive price that is aesthetically pleasing to them.

Between the two options given I'd choose tile without doubt in wet areas. In dry areas I'd go with tile if it is commonly used and acceptable flooring in your market. In Michigan almost no one has tile in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms etc., but I would assume it's more generally accepted in Texas.

Market speculation is, by definition, risky business. If you are making proper investing decisions based on the current value of the instrument and want to play speculator as an added bonus then have fun. If you're investing in instruments which do not have an attractive return and hoping to profit on future market fluctuation then I would reconsider that approach.

Just my 2cents.

For comparison:

Currently working on a 1350sf SFR, needs full perimeter excavation and foundation repair, tear down garage and rebuild (including footings), driveway remove and replace, gut kitchen and 2 bathrooms, minor wall repairs, paint, flooring and light fixtures, new electrical panel, furnace and air conditioning replacement.

Total rehab cost is $56,000.

I couldn't imagine your property needing more work than this, which leads me to believe that you're contracting your repairs out at a cost that prices you out of the property. 

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses in their business. My advice is to hit your sweet spot, and avoid pounding a square peg into a round hole. Just because it could be a good deal doesn't mean it's a good deal for you.

All at once, one and done. The "marketing value of brand new X" is overrated. So long as you don't over-improve and you use durable high quality materials it will be well worth your while.

you can get decent Armstrong sheet vinyl for floating installation for around a dollar per square foot at home depot. We have many property managers of apartments, assisted living, etc that request this for kitchenette and bathroom flooring.

Another inexpensive option is vinyl plank flooring. Slightly more expensive (about 1.70-1.90 per square foot) if you get the grip lock kind that adheres to itself and is also a floating install. More durable than sheet vinyl.

Neither are even remotely as durable as ceramic, so plan to replace as needed, but for a DIY install it doesn't get much easier. Plus if you do it yourself the total cost is next to nothing for a smaller room. Can easily be done in less than a day.

Hope that helps, let me know if you have questions or issues.

Completely missed that.. Nice share. 

See how the courses are cut clean at the sides of the garage door? Probably not the strongest way to cross that header. 

DISCLAIMER: I am not a bricklayer or mason. I have limited experience with exterior brick.

I can tell you, though, that when drywalling over doorways, flushed seams along the sides of the doorway are prone to cracking. I would assume (with ignorance) that brickwork installed the same way would have the same trouble, being prone to cracking with normal operation of the door.

IF I am correct, then that is not a symptom of the house sinking to the center of the earth, but rather just a product of stress on that mortar joint. Simple tuck pointing would be good inexpensive maintenance. Double check with someone professionally knowledgeable, but I don't think it's matter for too much concern.

By the way, contracts were mentioned but I didn't see anyone offering up a sample. Here is a generic sample of our subcontract agreement for painting.

http://1drv.ms/1QAWtT7

The actual one we use has been further modified, but this will give you a decent place to start. Make sure it is amended for use in your state, and for your specific needs.

Hi Mike:

Check out this BP podcast, the interview is with a guy who sounds like he was quite a bit like you. Full time job, interested in holding rental properties, from Michigan (Downriver suburban Detroit area). Grew to 50 units while keeping his full time job:

http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/04/03/064-full-time-50-units-josh-sterling/