All Forum Posts by: Matt Michaels

@Mike McCarthy I kept a keen eye on the sizing of the systems (1.5-2 ton) systems you recommended. I had two estimates this past weekend and both estimates recommended the 2 ton system based on sq footage, sun exposure, and insulation.

@Randy E. great point about the # of higher end car on the road versus those that are considered the more affordable option.

@Mark Fries thank for the info about Carrier and Trane, good to know they manufacture the lion's share of products in the marketplace.

Hello!

Brief background, I own a top/bottom duplex in Pittsburgh and am looking to get two, separate air condensers installed for the top and bottom unit. The units have separate heating systems currently and separate duct work, and each unit is between 1200-1250 sq ft. There is limited installation in the attic and the house is directly exposed to the sun ~60% of the day, a tall tree provides cover in the evening hours when the sun is setting.

With that being said, there are a lot of options in terms of the product brand, product size, etc and I was looking for personal recommendations from individuals who have gone through this before.

Due to my location in the Northeast and more specifically Pittsburgh, I was thinking of getting two, 13 SEER Rheem air condensers? Does that feel right in terms of the size? I was thinking Rheem but also researched and saw Carrier is a solid brand?...

Any advice about the product brand, SEER size, or other food for thought I should be considering when making this decision would be greatly appreciated!

Hope you have a nice Memorial Day weekend and thank you in advance for your time!

MJM

@Anthony Angotti Thanks so much for providing the above info about a local REIA meet-up! I am a newbie investor in the Pittsburgh area currently house-hacking in my first duplex and would love to meet yourself or other RE investors in the area. Hope to make it to the event!

@Abel Cartwright

Following-up on this thread as in one of your previous messages you mention you found a potential management company who would oversee your long term rental unit. I was hoping to connect with you offline about this company, would it be ok if I PM'd you? I am a fellow RE investor living in Pittsburgh, and would love to learn more about this company for future reference.

Hi Dalton - I am also a relatively new RE investor living in the Pittsburgh area. Wanted to follow-up about your message above to let you know that if you select Network-->Events-->then type in "Pittsburgh, PA" in the around search box it lists a few events that are going on around the Pittsburgh area. It looks like it is more of a training seminar rather than a local RE group or meet-up, but might be helpful if just starting out!

Cat R. thanks so much for the advice. Definitely some great things to note about having a PNT be there in person to conduct the viewing.

Hi all,

I am a beginner real estate investor who two months ago purchased my first piece of real estate! It is a top/bottom duplex where I am househacking in the bottom unit and rent out the top. The lease for the tenants who live in the top unit is over at the end of September and I am currently in the process of finding new tenants for the top unit.

I have one potential new tenant (PNT) who is local and requesting to see the unit in person and a second PNT who is working in Seattle for the summer. The PNT who is in Seattle cannot meet in person to see the place and wants to discuss more information over the phone.

My main question for the BP community is how do I go about entertaining both of these tenants interests in the new place? If I show the one in person and call the other on the phone is that ok to avoid any legal ramifications in the tenant search process? Also, is it the first person who submits an application and passes the background/credit check who I move forward with as the tenant to fill the unit?

This is my first time going through this process and advice to ensure I make the search process as fair as possible is greatly appreciated!

MJM

@Ty Martin Congratulations on the first property! I am looking to start my own journey with house-hacking a duplex in the Pittsburgh area in the near future!