All Forum Posts by: Owen Dashner

Yes, I am sick of thieves and I want to nail them with proof instead of chalking it up to a sunk cost.

I am suspicious of a neighbor in a specific instance and would like some proof, but also would like a reliable system moving forward.

I like the idea of the GPS devices, but it would be impossible to tag wiring and copper plumbing, which are the most common things stolen.

Don, I considered that, but I really don't want the PITA factor of doing that at every property. There has to be a solution out there for buliders, rehabbers, etc. that is truly portable.

I am looking for a camera system that I can move from vacant property to vacant property as needed.  The properties will be under various stages of construction, will have electricity on, but will not have traditional internet access.

I am looking for something where I could possibly either use a portable wifi hotspot or 3G streaming to a cloud-based DVR type setup that I could access any time using the internet, and would have large enough storage to hold (at least) a week's worth of video, and would have night vision and motion sensing technology, and support multiple cameras for different sides of the house.

From the research I've done so far, it seems like most wireless cameras like this require a static IP address (i.e. a portable hotspot would not work).  Anyone have solutions they can recommend?

Verizon is my current wireless carrier, and I would be using this setup in and around the Omaha, NE area.

Thanks in advance!

It sounds more like he is fishing for a sucker to make an offer without him giving an asking price or letting you view the property than you dropping the ball.  I wouldn't sweat it- he obviously isn't motivated. It's the equivalent of someone saying, "I'm holding something behind my back. I will sell it to you, but you can't look at it, and I won't tell you how much I want for it." Ridiculous.

My suggestion would be to keep it more conversational on the initial call and ask more open-ended questions.  Build some rapport first and find out more about their motivation for selling, then follow up with the property specific questions.

Welcome to Omaha and BP! Feel free to reach out if you need anything.

Thanks for your service!

Wow! Did the Flintstones live there?? That is a crazy amount of faux stone! Nice work on the remodel.

My problem with new wholesalers is their lack of follow through after I have invested valuable time telling them specifics about what I am looking for. It's not all wholesalers in general, mind you, it's the fact that I have talked to several dozen newbies over the years and have yet to buy anything from them. Whenever the flavor of the month guru comes to town, newbie wholesalers come out of the woodwork.  

After awhile, you just start to naturally avoid those lengthy conversations. I am also not a fan of being on a huge "buyer" email distribution list. It gurantees that all of my local competitors are going to be notified of the deal, so why bother getting into a bidding war?  

If someone is willing to spend time with you telling you about what they are looking for, you should invest some time developing the relationship and devote some effort to finding those kind of deals (and give them first shot at buying them).  

I'll get off my soapbox now. ;)

I echo the above. You need more than one hvac person, but start with one. Ditto for plumbers. General handyman is also a must. Eventually, you will also need a licensed electrician, lawn care/snow removal person, licensed contractor (for pulling permits), masonry person, etc., etc. But first things first are the big 3.

You do not need a license in every state to perform property management. I am sorry for your situation. But this is an unfortunate example of why you should not improve a property you do not own, especially without having anything in writing. And just to play devil's advocate, not everyone's opinion of "improvements" is the same. A tenant may think painting every room purple is an improvement. I had a rental recently with an unfinished basement (which is the way I wanted it to remain). After evicting the tenant, I discovered he had half finished the basement (i.e. improving it). It cost me about $5k to properly finish the rest of it and it added zero additional value.

A 20-40% fee for managing?? Are you aware what normal property management fees are? I would suggest spending more time learning before you approach the owners, otherwise they will not take you seriously. I'd also say that you should make them an offer based on your numbers, and move on. Just because you think the owners should be motivated, doesn't mean they necessarily are. You can't make someone be a motivated seller. And obviously don't fall in love with the house just because it's close to you. It's all about the numbers.