All Forum Posts by: Jean Norton

It's always better to be independent.  Partnering with the seller rarely works well.

Texas is growing and the demand for housing grows with it.  

You first need to establish your investing strategy - are you looking for low cash investment with high cash flow?  Maybe you prefer buying in a hot and growing area for less cash flow but more appreciation?

Taxes are high in Texas, but that is only one of the factors to consider when choosing a location.

Real Estate Investor Masterminds meets every Thursday at Mimi's Cafe on North MoPac from 11:30AM-1PM.  I'm really sorry you didn't discover this meet up, but it's exactly what you describe - no pitches, no speakers but great opportunities to asks questions and get answers.

There are some properties that just can't be bought.  In this case, it's probably better to wait for the foreclosure to happen and buy it from the bank later.

However, if you want to pursue it, you will need to find the heirs, make sure the estate has complied with probate laws and buy it from the estate.  This will be only worth your while if there is significant equity in the deal.  Good luck!

Pacer dot gov has a per-page pay site that allows you to get to that information.

Hi John!

Once in bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee owns all assets.  You can approach the Trustee and negotiate a price.  It's even possible to get the Trustee to help you negotiate a short sale with the lender.

Jean 

Sorry for the delay.  Yes, SWD will include title insurance.  Most of my purchases where they said it was occupied the people had moved by the time the property closed.  Good luck with your purchase!

And to add to what @James Carlson said - a good thing to do is check AirBNB from a competitive standpoint.  Search that area as if you were a potential guest.  If there are none, it could be people don't want to be there.  If there are some, then check their calendars to see how many bookings are in their future.

Join is every Thursday at Mimi's at the Arbor Walk, 10515 N. MoPac, Northbound, Austin, TX 78759

Each week we meet, introduce ourselves and discuss issues and events happening in the real estate community.  There is time to pitch your deal.  I suspect Millions of dollars of transactions have happened at this meeting - between found deals, lending opportunities, and general masterminding on how to handle unfamiliar issues.

If you are near Austin on a Thursday, join us.

11:30 to Noon is general networking, ordering lunch, etc.  At Noon, we go around the table and allow people to introduce themselves, then open it up for deal pitching and general discussions.  @Harold McGee and I are the co-organizers.

(This Mimi's is the one located in the same center as Home Depot, Spec's, JoAnns, Chipotle, and more)

I think that is a great model. My experience with the condos I've used with AirBNB is excellent. The HOA's are a problem. The only thing you need to worry about in Chicago are the city laws. Otherwise, go for it.