All Forum Posts by: J.T. Littlejohn

Alex King it really depends on your objective, appreciation or cash flow. All of those areas can cash flow nicely depending on how you buy (price point) and condition of the property. Alternatively, if you buy right you could get some appreciation but not much. Seth Sherman and Ozzy Sirimsi are right. It doesn't matter where you are at in the city (except for VERY specific areas) it's still block by block. Go check it out for yourself or trust a property manager who knows AND will be honest with you.

Pauline Jones those are the opening bid amounts. The auctioneer usually "bids" the price up to or near the amount the seller is willing to take fairly quickly. It hasn't been my experience that you can get a property with a super low opening bid amount for the same (or near) the opening bid price but I'm still new at the auction game. Others may have had different experiences.

I was reading another post and it mentioned a lower rate (3%) but didn't comment on markup for supplies. I'll probably look to negotiate a lower monthly rate and figure out a better alternative for the 3% supplies markup fee.

@Corey Osborn I'm looking at establishing a maintenance contract with a handyman. He's asking for 5% of rent. Sounds like a lot initially just to basically be "on call" and do light-to-moderate repair work and preventive maintenance. Also, Includes a 3% markup for parts and supplies. I'm not sure if this is too much or standard fee. I'm self-managing and only have one property for now. Does not include any provision for a minimum hour charge for call out. 

@Kenneth Futrell I don't know if you can "sell" your tax liens outright and I don't know if they are assignable either. Maybe @Ned Carey can advise on that. I may be interested on the properties depending on location. Inbox me if you are ok sharing location info. 

Welcome to BiggerPockets @Tabesteph Moliki. Baltimore investors are knowledgeable and are more than willing to provide advice. Just ask. 

I going to inherit a similar tenant (long term no rent increases) with my next property. They don't appear to be prima donnas but you never know. My strategy is to do month-to-month with gradual increases every 6 months until I get to market rent. It will take longer but the tenant will have to make the call whether they want to stay or not. I'm in a tenant-friendly location so slow and steady is best for me.

@Ian Barnes you are spot on about Federal St!!!

@Lakshay G.with all that @Stephanie Medellin listed out it sounds like it may be a small hit to your score (less than 5 points) versus a major hit (20 points or more).

Welcome to Bigger Pockets @Terrence Ruffin. I'm an ECM guy from way back. Look me up when you move and get settled.