All Forum Posts by: Matthew Couto

@Cade Andersen

6 flips over the last few years, flips aren’t my primary goal. I like the surplus of cash they give but only to buy more rentals. Tax strategies work better for long term rentals rather than the short term benefit. At least for me!

@Cade Andersen

First I would like to say congratulations! I remember my first flip and boy was I excited! Still am when ever I get it sold!

Best advice is don’t skimp on the details. Do it right the first time. Rebuild according to the area you are in, if you can better the neighborhood, why not?

@Fili Aguirre

Unless it is a flat fee contract, which I’ve only seen on real estate selling for less than 65k in my area. The standard 5-6% of total sale price is normal.

@Samuel Iwu

No way I consider buying anything cash a "safe snowball" market crashes, example your 500K is only worth 300K your cashflow will still be the same, for the most part, maybe a bit less normally. I like to do 15-20 year loans, I don't like the typical 30 because I too would like to see my portfolio paid off in my life time! Consider your monthly principle and interest payment like dollar cost averaging. Some months your doing great, others not as good... But it evens out in the end.   

Leverage is a powerful tool, but has to be used wisely! A good deal always cashflows, never bet on appreciation--- its a bonus!

@Ezra Harris  Being handy is an asset to have in your tool belt. In the beginning of your investment career expect to be as handy as possible. Later on, as you have acquired more, I would lean back a bit and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You don't want to be doing everything forever.... Unless you do, then that's great too!

@Kevin Olson 

Since you are new to this, from what I am reading in your replies, go to a meetup or a local REI group in your area, find a mentor you click with and you can learn a lot from them.

I haven't seen a bank do anything for less than 20% down, most I've seen is 25%. but don't forget your closing cost's! Now lets say if you were to "live" in the property for a year or 2? might get into it for around 5-10% a lady I know just bought a 3unit for 3.5% down.. 

Good luck

@Roxanne McClain   If this is your primary residence, I've found having screens on doors and windows beneficial, lets some cool air in and the bugs OUT!  If its an investment, some towns require it. 

 When it comes to fencing, my wife and I fenced in our entire yard with the white 6ft fence and it did not add any value to the property, helped it sell quicker... that's where the value was I guess, we did not get any of the money back for the fence! Personally what I have seen people do is the vinyl fence from street view and a nice chainlink for the perimeter. 

Hope that helps!

@Brian Crowe Im sorry to hear that! In my state of NH, it's the responsibility of the tenant and does not fall back on the landlord, as long as the lease clearly states tenant pays utilities etc. Thats why the tenants call and get the electric put on in there name, so I thought.  Good luck, I hope this is easily resolved. 

@Brandon Spurlock 

Congrats! Looks amazing! 

@Mindy Jensen

Ive heard the stories, but fortunately haven't felt the hurt from being ripped off, yet! knock on wood. My contractors have always gone to there choice of hardware stores, placed the order and I've paid for the order in full and had it delivered to the job site for them, that way no out of pocket expense for them and conveniently at the job sites... Its a win win in my books!