All Forum Posts by: Karl B.

It's something I really want to learn more about as well. My 4-unit was a single-family and they made it a 4-unit. Doing so literally doubled the monthly rent. And now that my market is heating up I've considered turning a single-family into a multi - Like you, I would love to hear from others who have done this successfully.

I think about all the money the rehabber put into my 4-unit and would likely only do it in an A or B property due to cost (my 4-unit is in a C neighborhood and I'm aware it's tougher to get zoned as a multi in a lot of A-class neighborhoods). 

Of course, one needs to get the OK from the city, permits, have a friendly floor plan to keep the work as minimal as possible, etc. 

I think it would be easier to do to make a duplex (as opposed to larger). 

You avoided Section 8 but one plus about it is they can help curb the nonsense. 

For example, my Section 8 tenant in one of my duplex properties claimed the 1st floor (her unit) had exclusive rights to the driveway. I told her she'd have to share it with the 2nd floor tenant. 

She told me she'd have his car towed if he parked there. And so I e-mailed the Housing Authority and explained the situation and they sent her a nice letter telling her if she caused issues she could lose her voucher and be evicted. 

Section 8 tenants don't want to lose their voucher. 

Duplex candy lady sounds cool. If she's paying rent on time she's likely going to keep paying. Since it's a D-neighborhood I wouldn't really mind if she's taking care of the place and isn't complaining about things.

Buy some vertical blinds for the other unit. You can get them absurdly cheap online. Then tell them to keep the yard clear. If they don't, take some photos for court and then give them a 30-day notice.   

 But what if the bedbugs are service bugs? ;-)

 I self-manage. I do a better job and enjoy that extra 10% a month (which is no doubt more than 10% when all is said and done as I am proactive about getting lower trade quotes, doing work myself when I'm back in town visiting, etc.). 

 It's near 8th & Cascade.

I have heard the same. I also dealt with Marsha Marsh Property Management when I purchased a 4-unit. The prior owner had used them for less than a year when his other PM retired. The Marsha Marsh PM I dealt with - Nate - was awful. For example, the seller and I were getting quotes for some contingencies and Nate didn't bother to show up and unlock the door at a time when he was supposed to meet with the contractor. 

When the contractor called him to ask what the deal was Nate said he'd be there as soon as he could. The contractor was so angry he left and refused to return and I wasn't happy because it reflected badly on me and the seller. 

Also, the two upstairs units were vacant. Why? Because they needed repairs. The one bedroom had a few holes in the wall (covered with cardboard) and a broken window. Not cracked. Broken. I doubt they even tried to show that particular unit but if they did noone is going to rent it. So I wouldn't recommend them, either. 

The only silver lining is they were so bad the seller gave me a great deal on the property because he was fed up and lived out of state. 

Honestly, your best bet would be to look for Erie landlords on BP and see if one (who owns some units and has experience) might be interested in PMing for you. Or you could call The Erie Apartment Association and see if they can recommend someone who is both dependable and fair.

 I've heard of stranger things. 

I bought a vanload of coin-op dryers from a guy who owns 600+ units in Ohio (kind of ironic he and the OP are at roughly the same number of doors - though I don't know if the guy I bought the dryers from has other properties aside from his seemingly small city of apartments) and he had never heard of Bigger Pockets. When I had mentioned Bigger Pockets he chuckled and said, "I like the name!"

I had a leaky pipe issue at my primary residence in California. One of the plumbers who gave me a quote, it turns out, also buys rental properties in Chattanooga. He showed me a few photos of his rentals and shared how much he paid and the monthly rent; it was impressive. 

This article just popped up on Trulia and is related to this topic: https://www.trulia.com/blog/250k-homes-in-every-state 

The best thing to do would be to let it slide. Tell them you'll do this but first need to inspect the property. They'll likely oblige. If all looks good then waive the pet fee but also tell them they MUST let you know if/when they get another pet.