All Forum Posts by: Pavel U.

I have a great one, he does furnaces, AC's and mini splits. He is not licensed in Minneapolis but is licensed in other parts of the state. If the furnace is already there then adding AC does not require a permit, and he does everything by code anyway. He is anal about quality, and best prices I've seen. If that works for you, send me PM and I'll share his contact. I've used him at least 40 times ;) 

@Joseph Lee which part of Minneapolis?

I agree with Tim. If the duplex has all the ductwork already (for furnace) then I would definitely add AC since it's not a very large expense. If the duplex was using boiler for example, adding AC is a lot more expensive, especially in an up/down duplex. Having central AC helps with vacancy and to separate you from rentals with no central AC. But as far as additional income - No. However, with $1700/mo it's already considered more than market rate ($1400-$1500 for 2 bedroom).

Updating 'original' kitchen from 1970 is not an over-improvement, especially if you're not in a C neighborhood. Crappier and cheaper looking units tend to attract lower income tenants. So by lowering your rent you'll automatically start attracting lower income tenants. All my units have higher end finishes, and rarely sit on the market (except for fall/winter months - I'm in Minnesota), and attract higher income, high quality tenants. Also, I recommend hiring professional photographer to take professional photos of your unit. The pictures I saw were taken with an older phone or bad camera, and have someone else's old furniture in there.

In my opinion the place itself needs some improvements. It may be the lowest priced condo in the building, but it also looks like 1970. That could very well be your problem. Your choices are either to lower your price by $200/mo, or invest $10,000-$15,000 into it to bring it to 2018 and then increase rent by $200/mo.

There's a Bigger Pockets meet up tomorrow, see https://www.meetup.com/BP-Bi-Monthly-Meetup/

Two more thumbs up for @John Woodrich!

Yup @Joseph Lee they sell in single kitchen quantities. Also, I've made a mistake, delivery is $20 not $25 lol. I buy them at https://www.bldr.com - their Lakeville location. They have root beer color (shown in pics) always in stock.

I've been using Smart Cabinets - Squire Maple - http://www.smartcabinetry.com/squire.php - from a local supplier. Average kitchen is $2,200-$2,500 not including counters or install. However cabinets are delivered for just $25 all assembled and brought straight into the house. Just unpack and install ($500). Some people prefer plywood only, some real hardwood, some particle board. These are: doors and face frames are maple hardwood; sides and backs are particle board but water resistant powder coated and shelves too. Highly resistant to water, scratch, stain, and extreme temperatures. So far I've used them in 5 kitchens and a friend of mine in 3 and we haven't had any issues. Here are some pics of my 2 most recent rentals with these cabinets.

@Greg W. very difficult, next to impossible. However there's a plan in the works (hasn't passed yet) with the City of Minneapolis where any single family house can be re-zoned into a duplex/triplex/fourplex.