All Forum Posts by: Maya Roberts

Hey @Gerry Magrini,

My husband and I started to use Burbz.  We met @Kenny Dahill here on BP.  He was extremely nice and informative.  I would reach out to him.

I never felt comfortable with a property manager, we tried a few.  I always felt like our listings went up exactly at the last moment of the previous tenant.  We even sent emails requesting them to start listing our units as soon as we got the tenants notice.

@Jon Jonhson,

It's not a buy-and-hold strategy book, but I always enjoy Robert Kiyosaki books.  Very applicable to real estate mindset.

Good morning @Justin Dao, back when we had a property manager it really varied based on whether the unit was a new lease or a renewal.  Our PM was 8% monthly fee and a 100% of first months rent or $250 per renewal.

We eventually grew tired of the smaller maintenance fees and decided to self-manage.  Our PM in particular would not share the vendor invoices.  We didn't feel comfortable with the lack of transparency.

@Kane G Pickrel, my husband and I only have 8 units so we are definitely on the smaller end.

We recently started to use The Burbz.  No real grievances per say, however they are a newer company so there will be some minor bumps.  Honestly, I met @Kenny Dahill through BiggerPockets and just really like his vision for the company.  He's the founder but also a landlord.  If you're looking for somebody to change the industry, it'll be him. 

Every other company we considered we couldn't get in touch with somebody to answer questions, besides their emails or little helper chat.

I liked the personal touch he provided when we spoke too.  I had a minor issue when we first joined and he immediately responded, at 9pm!  Anybody as nice and hardworking as him, I'll always support.

Hi @Kane G Pickrel

Those are all commercial grade softwares for larger-portfolio landlords and professional property managers. I think they do a solid job of helping out their ideal clients already.

I personally haven't used any of those because my portfolio is too small.  I use a software more geared towards smaller landlords, which has been cheaper and easy.

Hi @Paul NA, I recently started to use Burbz for my tenant screenings. @Kenny Dahill is pretty active on BiggerPockets and always willing to answer my questions!

My applicants pay the fee, but I also have the choice to pay for it myself.  Personally we would only consider paying if the tenants paid in cash, otherwise it's so easy to have the tenants pay instead.

I would recommend you check them out as well.

I agree with @Dante Feria.  It's rare that one of our property's taxes don't go up annually.  We only raise rents every 2 years if the tenants stay.  It's not worth the risk and typically our tax bumps are only $100-200 max.

I actually did what @Kenny Dahill suggested and asked one of our longer term tenants what they wanted.  For them, the house was great but they wanted some improvements to the backyard.  We let them decide the scope within a budget.  A few plants and string lights.  It cost $150-200 but they were willing to stay at least another 2 years.

Yes!  This is such an amazing idea!  It builds trust between you and your tenants.  I hope it brings you the opposite of trouble, brings you good fortunes!

@Kenny Dahill and @Mark F., we always ask the tenants if they have any special equipment they will be utilizing in our rentals.  Window units are common in the mid-west but we've had people who have medical or even light manufacturing equipment they use inside. 

They helps us be proactive and inform them any damages caused will be taken from security deposit.