All Forum Posts by: Patrick Olownia

I just want to say as a newbie I've absolutely loved every single aspect of this entire thread. So many great opinions and view points. LOVE IT.

Hey gang!

So, I've just started learning about real estate over the past month and haven't been able to stop reading, meeting with BP members, listening to podcasts and a countless number of other resources. I haven't purchased my first property just yet, but I wanted a little help when it comes to driving for dollars and direct market mailing. I currently live in MN and just like many markets I believe we are in a "hot" market... finding deals is tougher at the moment, not impossible... but slightly tougher... and as I'm doing property analysis I'm just not seeing the type cash flow/cap rate I'd like to see. 

With that being said, I'd like to tap into the world of driving for dollars and direct market mailing to see if I can get my hands on an off market deal. My current debacle is if drive by a home and have some interest in it, is there anyway for me to find out if the property is a multi family home (which is what I am interested in) aside from just looking for multiple mail boxes or multiple utility meters? I don't think I am able to see this kind of information online on the country's website, and if so, I must not be looking in the right area. 

Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Thanks a lot guys!

Hey everyone!

Wondering if BP members would be willing to share their most successful way of figuring out rental prices in a local area? I know about Craigslist and Rent-O-Meter (haven't heard great things and you need to pay for it).

Any other sites that you would suggest/use frequently. Willing to hear everything and anything!

Thanks!

@James W. I would absolutely love the opportunity. I will send you a DM!

Have listened to this podcast 3 times now. Love it!

#Vacuum The Truck

@John Woodrich I’ll send you a DM!

Hey everyone!

So, I had an idea and I need help to find out if it's realistic or not. I am currently reading Brandon Turner's "The Book On Rental Property Investing" and have just recently dove into the chapters about finding "fixer uppers" in order to purchase a better deal and in my case, Househack/Buy & Hold/BRRRR. He states numerous times about how he saved money fixing something himself rather than going to a contractor to have it done (Duh it's cheaper that way!) BUT, my issue is that I am a nurse and not a handy man. I have ZERO experience fixing anything other than layering on some paint and I can't even guarantee that it'll be a job well done.

With this being said, I would like to have the ability to walk into a property and analyze it's potential repair costs. Brandon emphasizes the importance of "knowing your numbers" and these are numbers I'm dying to know about. Essentially, I'm wondering if I can post an ad on craigslist or even reach out to BiggerPockets members to see if I would be able to tag along for a summer and "help out" for free (I live in Minnesota). Money is not my goal here, it's the knowledge I can obtain from those who have experience in this particular field. I am an extremely motivated individual that enjoys challenges.

Just flat out, are there too many liability issues to having me tag along and help out that would prevent me from being able to obtain this goal? Would I simply be "useless" without any background in house fixing? I have reached out to one friend who works with his Dad in fixing houses and projects and he said he would discuss with his dad and see what they could do.

Thank you to everyone who reads and comments on this post!

Edit signature

Thanks for all the awesome responses and tips everyone! Great to hear about what everyone is up to and how they are succeeding.

I've decided to refocus my real estate goals and start out by House Hacking a MFH here in MN.

-Patrick Olownia

@Josh C. Darn! Too bad we both don’t live in the same state... I would absolutely jump to this idea of working with/for you.

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I am trying my best to create opportunity