All Forum Posts by: Mario Gonzalez

In addition to being a Real Estate Broker, Property Manager and investor myself.  I also teach real estate to Realtors across Florida.  Listing agents and Buyer's agents have different legal responsibilities to their "clients" when in a sale.  The BIGGEST thing that 99% of people don't know (and it is too difficult of a subject to get into in this thread, but I am happy to discuss over a phone call) is that working with the LISTING AGENT directly LIMITS your representation as a buyer.  In fact, you get what is know as a "TRANSACTION BROKER".  Their legal responsibilities can be read here: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_...

BUT in short, you are limiting yourself significantly.  It is absolutely against the law for a transaction broker to "look out for your best interest"...and in simple translation...that could cost you thousands!  

As a young investor, I bought from the listing agent.  As I grew in experience I always had my own agent and made certain I had a good one, with plenty of experience. 

As mentioned in the thread above.  Good agents are busy. They don't have time to run around and look at a bunch of properties for every investor that calls...that will most likely not do business with them.  However, if you know what you want and are serious, the agent will work hard for you and will go above and beyond to keep your business and earn business from other serious investors.  

@Adam Anderson.  To answer your question, "Yes" we are a Turn Key Provider but not for all classes of homes.  Our military tenants prefer A/B class homes.  We do not offer rehab/tenant placement/PM services for C/D homes

@Nathan Waters, I boot strapped the entire start up and built is slowly.  Times were different then.  Now you have plenty of people looking to get out of the PM business, as sales are picking up.  Essentially, you could look at taking over someone else's business.  Otherwise, I would suggest looking into classifieds and seeing people that are managing themselves, ie looking for tenants.  Offer your services to them.

 Most people can manage 75-100 doors themselves.  Any more than that becomes very cumbersome, even with proper systems and procedures.  I would advise using a PM software from the get go.  It is much easier to learn with a few homes than to implement with a larger inventory.  We use Appfolio but it is cost prohibitive for most smaller start ups.  Buildium or Propertyware offer good products.  Propertyware is right up there with Appfolio.  

Feel free to call if you have more questions 904-900-4766

I am the founder/broker of Navy to Navy Homes. Brand new to Bigger Pockets.  I am happy to answer any questions regarding Jacksonville.  We are a full service real estate and property management firm, specializing in helping military and placing military tenants!

I formed a start up in 2009, in Jacksonville, FL.  Still going strong.  Happy to answer any questions you guys might have.  We now manage over 250 doors