All Forum Posts by: Maya Roberts

Hello @Frank Peraza.  My husband and I recently started to use Burbz for our background screening reports. 

We've liked it so far.  We used to have applicants pay us directly a fee so we could run the reports, however with Burbz the tenants pay directly.  Makes my life easier!

Absolutely!

A good mentor should expect nothing in return, but there are also a lot of people seeking mentors in real estate who aren't willing to put in the hustle.  Prove your worth and you'll get more out of the experience. 

I would encourage you to handle small tasks for free but let them know beforehand you will need to earn income for larger tasks.

I would only cover utilities for a short-term rental.  Even with a limit, you are exposed because utilities are paid the following month so if it's a large bill you may be stuck with it.

The other option could be increasing rents and/or having a 'utility deposit' that would cover excess bills.

@Dirk S., that's unfortunate to hear your tenant might be having a mental health crisis.  I would tread carefully and take the side of caution.

Make sure you continue on the standard late notice and eviction notice process.  Don't put it on hold while you hope she responds.  This should protect you in case you do need to evict.

Hopefully they get the help they deserve and get back to being good tenants.  I know some here believe business only, but they are humans afterall and a little compassion can go a long way in somebody's life who is struggling.

Several friends had luck finding home maintenace/watch companies. In fact, they struggled to find many PM's who were interested. Their STR's were in markets that have high snow birds, which those home watch companies focus on.

Good luck!

Hello @Trevor Neis,

I would use Zillow and Facebook Marketplace to find college students.

Regarding qualifying, I typically require a co-signer and run them through the same process.  Yes, that might require them to pay for 2-3 background screenings per applicant.  I recently started to use Burbz for screening reports since it's totally free.

I also put all the tenants on a single lease; holds them more accountable.  Also, have the move-out conversation with all the tenants and co-signers, I suggest when they move-in so they are all fully aware of your process.

There were a few issues in regards to property management fee structure I simply could not get comfortable with, including late fees.  I simply let my contract expire so I did not have termination fees.  Now I self-manage.  It's more work but I also earn more.

If you can't get comfortable, change.

Hello @Joshua D., I have had similar experiences with friends.  Several friends have asked me if I would manage their rentals, if they started to invest.  I am totally open to the idea because I know how I would treat them but we had a 'brutally honest' conversation about expectations.

You should not be afraid to manage your father n'laws properties if you both agree to expectations.  You could even run a trial period to see how it proceeds.  It requires clear communication and expectations, that helps prevent issues from escalating.

I use Burbz to do my screening process. They offer a free screening report and it is easy to use. My applicants got an email notification and they paid.

Their reports came back with background and credit so I could check all the information that's important to me. I would recommend it to other landlords looking for free screening reports.

Hello BiggerPockets!

I have listened to the podcasts for several months now, mostly when I'm stuck in traffic on my way to work.  Looking forward to connecting with others on here to learn and share!  My husband and I got into rentals for our wealth strategy and excited to accomplish our goals!