All Forum Posts by: Marc Winter

Hang on--this contractor/partner is living in the project house?  And they are not working, making progress, or communicating with you?

You have been paying for your education; errors made in handling this person/partner, and things NOT to do with a contractor.

The solution is simple (not easy):  get rid of this contractor/partner asap.  This is not a time for kum-bai-ya, it's the time for termination of the 'partnership' and eviction from your house.

Or you have hope/faith that they will eventually do what they are supposed to do.  

That decision is up to you; just be aware If you just wait, you will continue paying tuition for your degree at the University of Hard Knocks.

Good points from @Joe Norman.  Many areas will allow you to manage your properties, including leases, rent collection, etc.  Also in some jurisdictions, an individual without a license can be hired to manage properties for one owner.

Best to do a deep dive into the NJ real estate laws, landlord/tenant laws, etc.  Study and learn:  you'll need it when things go sideways.

Good luck!

Are you sure you want to go with carpeting?  Even in a flip, I'd only consider carpet in a bedroom, if at all.

The sizzle of LVP is much better than what has become 'old school' carpeting.

The price difference isn't that much, but does deliver much more bang for that almighty buck.  Check it out. 

Contact local trash removers.  Get 2 or 3 estimates.  Let them do it.  That will free up your time to make more money than they are charging.

One last item about recording: check your local and state laws concerning recording with or without disclosure and consent.

I hear the groans.  It's just because of the litigious times we live in.  

@Lincoln W Daniel,

What do you have in writing?  Email, text, back of napkin?  

I'd use this case as an example of why we must get SOMETHING about the work and/or your directions in writing, upfront.  

This company, and every vendor you plan on hiring, should be searched in BBB and/or other reviews, AND check your Unified Judicial System portal to see how many times they have ended up in court.

You are right:  you found a seasoned lawyer!

If you just want to peruse the MLS, go onto Realtor.com for free and get the latest info on listings in your area (or nationwide, for that matter.)

However, if you are serious about real estate investing, there is no better way to understand your market and find great deals, than by becoming a licensee and working it.  

Get out and inspect new listings, expireds, FSBOs, and network with other brokers.  I have found many of my best deals by going out to inspect a potential listing and ending up buying it myself.  

Follow the realtor's code of ethics and be honest and transparent about your intentions.  You may just be surprised and delighted with the leads and deals you get.

Good luck!

To be a bit more specific to your question, anything that is of public record can be searched.  Deed, mortgage/note, liens, taxes, assessed value, court documents.  All this is free to search.

By using paid subscription services, almost all of your personal info is available: previous/current addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, voter registration, owned vehicles, neighbors and relatives and their contact info... the list goes on.

You might consider getting your properties out of your own name to get the target off your back.  

Checked online for Texas law regarding your situation.  I am NOT an attorney--this is my research, not legal advice:

To legally allow your renter in Kingsland, Texas, to babysit up to three extra children in your home (not at the same time), you need to address three main issues: zoning compliance, state regulations, and insurance liability.

1. Zoning Laws

• Check Local Zoning: Kingsland is in Llano County, and zoning for home-based businesses—including home daycares or babysitting—can vary. Some Texas cities have strict requirements or may require a special permit, while others are more lenient, especially for very small-scale care.
• Action: Contact the Llano County or Kingsland zoning/planning office to confirm if occasional babysitting for up to three children (not simultaneously) is allowed without a special permit, or if you need a home occupation or special use permit.
• Tip: Home-based care for a very small number of children is often treated differently than larger daycares, but always verify locally.

2. State Child Care Regulations

• Texas HHS Rules: In Texas, caring for three or fewer children (not including the caregiver’s own children) is generally exempt from state licensing requirements. However, if she ever watches four or more children at once (not her own), she must register or get a license.
• Action: Ensure your renter never exceeds three unrelated children at any one time. If she wants to care for more, she must follow the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) process for becoming a registered or licensed child care home provider1.

3. Insurance Liability

• Homeowner’s Insurance: Most standard landlord or homeowner policies do not cover business activities like babysitting, even on a small scale. If a child is injured, you could face uncovered liability.
• Action:
  • Notify your insurance provider about the babysitting activity.
  • Ask if you need a rider or special endorsement for in-home childcare, even for a small number of children.
  • Require your renter to obtain liability insurance for her babysitting, if possible.

Summary Checklist

• Contact local zoning office to confirm compliance and permit needs.
• Limit care to three unrelated children at a time to avoid state licensing.
• Update your insurance and require your renter to have liability coverage.
• Put an agreement in writing with your renter outlining these rules and responsibilities.

Bottom line:
If your renter only babysits up to three children at a time (not including her own), she is likely exempt from state licensing, but you must confirm local zoning allows it and address insurance liability to protect yourself and your property

@Theresa Harris is correct--you can hire whomever you want.

In my experience, a recent job loss and the start of erratic behavior, plus becoming verbally combative, are serious issues.  Hire a good property manager, and make sure they are well-versed in evictions.  

Don't be afraid to post a notice on this tenant if their conduct breaks the lease or threatens you or your property.

99/100 when a tenant goes south like this, they gone.  Save your sanity, let them move on.