All Forum Posts by: Melony Oestreich

Hi Jerry,

I attend 2 great meetups in the Lehigh Valley. The first is the Lehigh Valley Hackers Meetup and that happens the 2nd Wednesday of every month. The meeting is free and starts at 6:30 on the 2nd floor of the Fegley's Brew Works in Allentown. The second is the LVREI Club and that happens at the Lehigh Lodge in Macungie also at 6:30 and is $10 at the door. Both meetings can be found on meetup.com. Hope to see you at either one!

Personally, as a landlord, I have always provided a refrigerator and a stove. I am not sure if a refrigerator is specifically required or not though. IF the property already has a functional dishwasher, microwave, washer or dryer I note it in the listing that the item is provided and will not be replaced if broken or damaged. Now, if the tenant is amazing and I want to keep them happy then if/when the additional provided appliance breaks, I will usually replace it because it's an easy way to make your tenant happy and feel appreciated. If the tenant is behind on their rent and causes a lot of problems, then, no I would not replace one of those extra appliances.

It is possible to find a 2 unit that works. I helped 2 different clients in 2022 with that exact situation. I would suggest working with an agent if you're not already and they can help you with on and off market deals.

We use Werner & Co in Macungie. They are very organized and have really known how to help my husband and I maximize our returns based on all our rental properties.

Werner & Co CPAs 
(610) 770-9236

The Real Estate Hackers Meetup can be found on Meetup.com and is under Lehigh Valley Real Estate Hackers Meetup. The next meeting is 2/8 at 6:30.

I'm not a loan officer, however, I am an investor and I am married to a loan officer. Any mortgage company is going to be looking for income, more specifically, your debt-to-income ratio. Usually, 2 years of earnings is requested, however, you should speak directly with a mortgage lender, and I personally use multiple lenders to see who can offer the best options. Ask for a preapproval to see what (and if) you qualify for a mortgage and what type. It doesn't cost anything to go talk to the lender and get preapproved. Some lenders only do a soft credit pull, so it doesn't affect your credit score. Additionally, if a lender does a hard inquiry for your credit you have a period of time (I think maybe 10 days or 2 weeks) to have your credit pulled for the same reason from a different company. Good luck!

If you have Facebook, you can search for the group it's just called 'LVREI Club'. This meeting is the 2nd Thursday of every month and takes place in Macungie and is $10 at the door. Also on Facebook is 'EPBON, Eastern Pennsylvania Business Owners Network'. I am not familiar with the structure of this meeting, but Garrett is involoved with both of these meetings. William, I see that you are from Easton. I also attend a good event called the Real Estate Hackers Meetup which happens the 2nd Wednesday of every month and takes place on the 2nd floor of Fegley's Brew Works in Allentown. This one is free to attend. I didn't mention it before because Nicole was from Berks Co and that's quite a bit out of the way for her. But also, I would be happy to meet you (or anyone) there and make introductions where appropriate. 

Nicole, there is a great investor meeting called the LVREI Club that meets in Macungie the 2nd Thursday of every month. The group is run by Garrett Rhoads and I believe there is even a group in Berks County called EPBON that he is also involved in. I attend the LVREI Club meetings and would be happy to meet you there in February to connect you with some people who might be able to help you in Berks County. I'm happy to chat if you'd like to reach out.

Hi Krunal,

I use BRRRR Property Management in Bethlehem. Michelle and Kathy are a great team and I have not had any issues with their management. Highly recommend having a conversation with them to see if they are a fit.