All Forum Posts by: Chase Keller

Hey @Trevor Aydelott,

You’re looking at a great market. There are a lot of good people in Des Moines. I’d love to help connect you to a good team. 

Marshalltown isn’t a horrible market, but has had a long tough road with the rental market. They had a nasty tornado roll through a little while back and I don’t think there’s been a strong comeback.  You can definitely make more cashflow in some smaller markets, but you have to be careful and make sure you can find a reputable property manager. Many times the small towns don’t have much to choose from. 
I doubt there’s any appreciation in Marshalltown either, I agree with Art there. 

He does Water submetering.  Nothing on the gas or electric side.  I haven't done RUBS or anything on that side, just included it in the rent and raised the rent as much as I thought I could get for the units.  My thought was it would be more work to oversee it, or have to have another company oversee it.  And there's potential the tenants would always be watching it and asking about it.  For that reason, I just included it in the rent and went along my day.  I'm sure there's ways you can optimize the income going the RUBS route, but it just depends on the time and effort it takes.  
Good luck, let us know what you decide to do and how it works out!  

Hey @Thomas Fawcett,

I don't personally use RUBS, but there is a great submetering option you can use.  @Jedd Braunwarth can help you out with that!

There are a lot of good areas in Iowa that work really well. But it all depends on what you’re looking for. I work with a lot of out of state investors, which is a completely different animal than someone that’s in town and can oversee everything. 
I’m a huge believer in developing your Personal Investment Philosophy. Otherwise you’re chasing whatever someone else calls a good deal. 
If I can help in answering your questions and help you get a better understanding of the different areas in Iowa, I’d love to help. 

Hey @Mitchell Smith

I  have a few lenders that work well with new investors. Your student loans will make a difference, however with the right lender, it will be small. 

Hey @Isidro Martinez

There are a lot of factors that go into that, but overall Iowa is definitely a landlord friendly. Evection time is quick, ability to go after tenants is good, relatively business friendly state.  
let me know if you have specific questions that I can help with!

Hey @Jared Jennings,

I just responded to your other post and actually mentioned Kris, he works at First Security Bank. I’ll PM you his contact info. He’s a fellow investor, so he’ll fully understand what you’re trying to accomplish. 
Good luck!

Hey @Jared Jennings,

I don’t know of any meetups in that area (maybe an opportunity to start one). There’s one in Cedar Falls. I have a friend and fellow investor that lives in Charles City, he makes it to the one in Cedar Falls. Kris Wegner. He’s also a great lender, so might be a good contact anyway. 

Hey @Christian E Ray. I have two agents that I work with a lot. They’re carriers have different appetites, so I have both bid it out and take the best policy available. 
I will PM you their contact info.