All Forum Posts by: Nate Miersma

Does anyone have a recommendation for a tax accountant in the Kalamazoo area who is experienced in filing taxes for real estate investors, agriculture/farm, small businesses, etc? I use a good office right now, but they're not consultative at all - they just take what I give them and file away. I'd love to work with someone who could provide advice on tax strategies and help me grow professionally in addition to doing the filing.

Small time investor in Michigan wondering if anyone has any recent experience with lenders allowing the down payment do be financed by the seller. Has anyone done this recently, or have changed in laws/regulations and lending practices basically eliminated this as an option today?

Ray Pope In the Midwest, 70% LTV seems to be a more common expectation from lenders. This is what I got from a local credit union with skin in the game in our community.

Kalamazoo is a great place to do it! If you need referrals or recommendations please don't hesitate to ask.

I think it depends on what you're trying to accomplish. Do you want to take one lump sum loan to fund a project, then spend the next X years paying it back? Or do you want "revolving credit" using your home equity, paying back only what you use and able to take more if/when you need it?

Nick Orr Shoot me a note and I can provide all of these to you personally... the good and the ones to watch out for. ;-)

Nick Orr I've had my rentals since 2014, which are located between "downtown" Kalamazoo and the college campus so my tenant mix has been students and young professionals. My vacancy rate has been max 5%, but that's off the cuff. Feel free to contact me directly with any questions!

Regarding one of the replies to this post- I agree, Kalamazoo is a great place to invest... but I'd make sure you have someone with boots on the ground here OR come visit yourself before purchasing. I would advise the opposite of one of the previous recommendations to invest in the Edison neighborhood. Are you focused on returns regardless of how much stuff you have to put up with, potential vacancy rates, etc? Do you want hands-free longer term tenants? It depends on your priorities- there are multiple phenomenal areas here.

Hi Jordan, I have 4 investment properties / 11 units in Kalamazoo, and my property manager owns 80+ herself (I wish I had known her before I bought my own!)... I'd be happy to answer any questions that you might have. Nate

Nate,

I'd highly recommend Willis Law Attorneys & Counselors (wwplc.com). Michael and Shaun Willis have demonstrated the highest integrity and commitment to the Kalamazoo community, and one of the two specialized in real estate law prior to starting the firm. They helped me with a few deals and I also went to them when we formed a trust - both experiences were exceptional for me personally.

Best,

Nate