All Forum Posts by: Eva Salas

Have a German Shepard and had a Rhodesian mix. The only damage done to our laminate in the utility room was from my husband scraping the freezer across part of it...garden is another story. Have now installed new laminate throughout our home and hasn't been scratched buy the pups. 

Hubby put felt on the feet of all the furniture because that's what would damage it. I learned along time ago not to go too cheap on laminate in rentals! Still have buddies who live in my old bldg....haven't owned it for 8 years, and the laminate I put in their units still looks great! 

Felt padding on bottom of furniture more important than pups on floor, for me anyway. 

I jumped in the deep end with 33 units in a questionable neighborhood. I was literally shaking at the closing!! I stayed on the heels, literally, of the PM and that's when the learning began. I haven't looked back since. 

Partnering? That's a question best answered by another, maybe. My partner was broke, which was why I had to take over ownership or lose my equity in the bldg to foreclosure. But I would partner again for sure! With the right person. And networking has introduced me to a few right people with whom Ive done syndicated multi fam deals that have been working out fine. 

@Steve Babiak I avoid rent control like the plague that it is! 

@Rajesh P. keep the house and encumber it to a greater degree And buy another? I'm asking myself as much as you :-) significant appreciation, however rents have skyrocketed in my 'hood. 

Thanks @Matt Skinner for taking the time on your opinion. Mine is different, as I have met so many knowledgeable ppl on BP in the short time I've been active. Even got together with a local and will be doing more of that. As well as going to a meet up with local BP members i met here

I have a question in this though...are we not allowed to mention names of gurus, whether we liked or not what they imparted during their seminar? 

Mine sucked! Drunk, off-topic, expensive with even more up selling...deplorably manipulative! 

Thanks @Mary Joe  for the prosper info. I am learning about note buying, but doing thru a broker who services and handles forecloses.  I know a broker/developer friend who does it. Gonna bend his ear about it soon after I finish my note buying "class". i.e. series of videos. We'll see... 

@Kahanu Noa Glad u didn't close HELOC. I used the strong letter method because 2 days before closing a new loan on my building, (that was in foreclosure and receivership..not my doing, partner problems) the bank changed their mind on making the loan! WOWSER they got a strong letter from me! i had a back up HML...but they didn't need to know that. ;-)

What's prosper? No tenant headaches after 20 years sounds great. If its related to RE I'm always looking for creative, safe opportunities! 

@Kanalu DeMello couldn't agree with you more about Kanalu's career choice as a springboard to RE investing success!! 

Last week I used a laborer, and because of a communication error I "went naked" i.e. he was not insured by workers comp. He helped with painting and tile installation so neither was a dangerous activity...but still. 

I had a conversation with the owner/broker of my management company and he told me the "fix" for that is to take a worker to the city desk and get the laborer a business license there, on the spot, for $50. He would therefore be treated by an insurance co. of operating his own business and therefore no need for me to pay WC on him. 

The one rule:  My newly licensed helper ABSOLUTELY cannot have a buddy with him as then he would be considered by my insurance co. to be an uncovered employee of the licensed worker and therefore it would be VERY bad for me if his buddy/employee got hurt. 

I am not well-versed in workers comp. any thoughts or opinions from BPers much appreciated! 

@Jason L.  My tenants' perspectives and satisfaction are definitely a concern of mine. Therefore I have done many exit interviews with tenants to make sure they weren't leaving because of problems of management unresponsiveness, or issues with neighbors. I like to do them as it doesn't interfere with my managers. Upon receiving 30 day notice you could call your soon-to-be X tenant and let them know you hope all was well while they were living there, and that you valued them as a resident, etc.  They will definitely let you know if they are leaving because of management issues!