All Forum Posts by: Mike Baker

You need more info and a picture.

People like to know who they are talking to when giving advice.

Older mobiles do have PVC, or in some cases 3/8 copper lines.

Anybody can solder but can you do it right next to an old tub/shower that lights on fire when you even get close with a flame?

The other problem can be black mold. And you won't see it in a mobile until you start tearing things apart. Then it gets ugly.

@john arendsen 

Thanks. I try hard.😀

I feel a little inadequate here.

Be here you go:

High School dropout

I went to a homeshow at the college once, but otherwise that was the extent of my college experience

Army National Guard (currently at 21 years. and 2 tours in Iraq)

Started a restaurant hood cleaning business in 2007 and sold in 2011.

lost money on a vending business in 2009 ( but the guy went to jail)

Have been studying real estate for about 5 years, and my wife and I are currently engaged in our first deal on a duplex (we will be "house hacking"). Which I hope to put in the "success" portion of this site, when its done.

Currently a Journeyman Service Plumber for high end homes in Gallatin Valley, and the Yellowstone Club.

Originally posted by @Marcia MaynardThe key is buying new, not used. Making sure your plumber uses new connections when installing them.

@Marcia Maynard said something key there  "your plumber".

I cant tell you how many times I have come into a rental, recently purchased by an investor, to change out a dishwasher, only to find the last DIY owner jury rigged the whole deal to save  a few cents.

We are in the middle of a duplex deal and I have thought a lot about whether or not to keep the dishwasher and the garbage disposal. This was awesome info.

I may opt to put a floor drain right below the dishwasher to mitigate any potential leaks since it sits over crawlspace. I guess we will see.

My main point though. Always use the plumber. It takes the liability off of you.

Again, Great info!

That's why it's always a good idea to change those things out, right away on any new properties. Saves a lot of headache in the long run.

I have worked on several rentals where the owners were leaving money on the table, by being cheap.

Don't be cheap.

I have always thought that any home should have the sewer scoped when sold. Its not much in the scheme of things and can give you a pretty good idea of whats going on down there.

I have dug up plenty of sewer lines, and truth is an ounce of prevention can save thousands, but make sure you dont get a company just looking for the sale. That will take some vetting on your part.

It is correct that it can be against code in some places to eliminate the outside hosebib. Also keep in mind winterizing a house, while a good idea if your not going to heat it, does not guarantee that nothing will freeze. You cant see through the walls , so there is no way for you to see all the dips and turns your pipes make. Water can still collect, or pool in a pipe, even after air is used.

Best bet? keep the place warm, and remember that 40-50 degrees does not provide much of a "heat pillow" should the heat go out, and you dont find it for a day or two.

Last thing. Try windshield washer fluid instead of RV anti-freeze. it usually costs a fraction of the price and goes just as cold as RV antifreeze.

@Brandon Turners book is very simple to understand. Kinda like a 1st grade math test. Lol.

Actually I found it very helpful in creative finance ideas.

 It was very well written, for being written by a "cat "guy.

Awesome, awesome, awesome!

I'm a plumber by trade and even Im impressed. A lot of investors in my area would run screaming when it comes to leaks, But you handled it exactly as you should have.

Great first deal!