All Forum Posts by: Kimberly Abeln

I took over the management of our portfolio (now 9 doors) and it’s the best decision we ever made. I get to screen for the most qualified (and nicest) tenants and it makes my job easy and enjoyable. We leverage our Realtor and/or handyman (for a set fee) to open doors we own out of state and they also will complete the move-out inspection for us. We use the tenant’s move-in inspection as a punch list to either fix now, or when they move out. Recently, I started a boots-on-the-ground business where we live in Dothan, AL to help remote investors more easily self-manage their properties here in the Wiregrass area. I’ll be able to do all the things we, as OOS investors, always look for when we have turnover or maintenance issues. I’m so glad you wrote a book about how to self-manage! I think tenants get better quality housing and investors get better returns. (We also invest in Tucson!)

Darn! You’ll be missed. Hopefully we will see you at the following meetup. Reach out if you ever want to grab coffee and talk shop :) 

Come network with fellow investors in a laid-back, no-pressure atmosphere. We have a great group of newbies and experienced investors with styles that run the spectrum. Interesting conversations happen here. 

https://facebook.com/events/s/may-meetup/309005515391767/

I use Census data, Bureua of Labor Statistics, Chamber of Commerce info, and city websites.

I think you need to talk to your realtor about your expectations (which sound super reasonable for an out-of-state investor.) If he isn’t able to meet those, you may want to work with someone else. Does your PM have someone that can walk the property with your realtor for a nominal fee? That might be the fastest way to get the info you need until you find the right agent. Good luck!

Your Realtor isn’t responsible for your loan, nor any part of the closing costs (except their commission.) You chose your lender and you can also choose to find a new one, although it may cost you the deal and your earnest money. A good Realtor should be able to explain the Closing Disclosure (including closing costs) to you line by line, but really your lender is responsible for educating you on your closing costs inc. their fees, prepaids, points, etc. These will be different for every loan.Without seeing your Closing Disclosure it’s hard to say why your closing costs are so high. Ask your loan officer to explain them to you. 

Come network with local Dothan investors. Interesting conversations happen here ;-)

Beer, alcohol-free beverages and food are available. Family-friendly venue.

Location: Thirsty Pig. 257 S St Andrews St, Dothan, AL 36301

Hey everyone! I took over the management of our portfolio while living overseas, and found one of the most challenging pieces of management was finding someone to do an easy task (photos, move-out inspections, meeting a locksmith, etc.). I usually asked a friend or our Realtor, but would’ve preferred to hire a pro, who knew what to look for, as an investor. Now that we’re back stateside, I’ve begun this boots-on-the-ground service in our local area. I’m looking for feedback on what types of services YOU find yourself needing help with as remote landlords (or even landlords on vacation.)  Please LMK if I’ve missed a task that you find yourself needing help with. Thanks BP family!

• Lockbox installation
• Key duplication, meeting locksmiths, digital lock code changes
• Meeting cleaners, landscapers, tradespeople
• Property walk-throughs via phone and/or video conferencing
• Move-in and move-out inspections
• Placing signage on properties
• Photos and videos
• Property description copy writing
• Scheduling contractors and tradespeople for vacant properties
• Status reports on contractor/tradespeople progress
• Property drive by
• Mail pickup
• Document delivery