All Forum Posts by: Matt Jolson

I too would recommend an independent agent who can quote from multiple carriers.  I say this even though I work for a specific carrier!

We use Mark Hedman at Hedman Anglin Agency and have had good results.  You can also get customized referrals to independent agents here: https://www.ohioinsuranceagents.com/.  OIA is the Ohio Insurance Agents Association.

I’d ask Brian at Exterior Building Supply, Inc. or another supplier if they can make a recommendation.  We get decent low-e, custom sized, double-hung, windows from Exterior for around $150 per window.  They have to know installers who can do it at under $100 per, especially with your volume.  

We use various guys, who I couldn’t really recommend, ranging anywhere from $50 to $100 per window.  

The answer would depend a lot on the neighborhood in which you want to invest. 1% might be great in Grandview, but you’d probably want 2% (or more) in the Hilltop or Linden. 

See answer above regarding credit. Just pay off your balance.

Regarding seasoning, most banks do require 6 to 12 months before you can refinance, unless you’ve rehabbed the property. If you’ve rehabbed, you can usually reappraise and refinance whenever the work is complete. 

Agreed on the independent agent recommendation. You may be fine on your own for any personal line products (auto, homeowners, life), but you need options and know how for commercial line products that would cover any significant real-estate investing. Personally, I use a mix of direct insurance (usually online) and independent, but most is with an independent agent.  Happy to make a recommendation by PM. 

Copying from another recent thread: 

We buy/hold several properties, mostly on the West side of Franklinton, and there's a lot of difference between East and West. I'd actually say there are three Franklintons: (1) East of 315, where only big companies or very lucky small/individual property owners play; (2) West of 315 to Glenwood / the RR tracks, where flipping is more doable despite the pending departure of most of the hospital; (3) West of Yale / the RR tracks to I-70, where rentals are the norm. We own / are in contract on five doors in area 3, and circumstances vary greatly from street-to-street. We also just picked up a home at Sheriff's auction on Rodgers in are 2, which should be a great buy/hold for us once fixed up.

Our business model is to provide reasonably safe and affordable housing to low-income families, which isn't for everyone.

Let me know if you want to discuss further--I wouldn't mind sharing contacts / ideas. There are plenty of houses in area 3 to go around, and there's a desperate need for good homeowners / landlords.

Agreed with many of the posts already.  We buy/hold several properties, mostly on the West side of Franklinton, and there's a lot of difference between East and West.  I'd actually say there are three Franklintons: (1) East of 315, where only big companies or very lucky small/individual property owners play; (2) West of 315 to Glenwood / the RR tracks, where flipping is more doable despite the pending departure of most of the hospital; (3) West of Yale / the RR tracks to I-70, where rentals are the norm.  We own / are in contract on five doors in area 3, and circumstances vary greatly from street-to-street.  We also just picked up a home at Sheriff's auction on Rodgers in are 2, which should be a great buy/hold for us once fixed up.  Our business model is to provide reasonably safe and affordable housing to low-income families, which isn't for everyone.

I'd also note that 43222 doesn't cover all of Franklinton.  There's also 43223.

Let me know if you want to discuss further--I wouldn't mind sharing contacts / ideas.  There are plenty of houses in area 3 to go around, and there's a desperate need for good homeowners / landlords.