All Forum Posts by: Quinton Thomas

Hey Miguel, I'm also in California but my rental portfolio is in Detroit (12-doors). 

I'm a big advocate of that market and still believe it offers the best risk-adjusted returns today.

Lots of folks are still writing off Detroit but more and more are waking up to the opportunity there. The city is undergoing massive revitalization and investment

Section 8 tenant means you have Class C property, Class B at best.

So, you need to secure the property as needed.

Your profile doesn't have any info on where you are located, but why do you need a/c? Not required for Section 8 rentals unless in hot temp area.

Hiring a PMC won't solve break-in problems, unless they have a plan. So, something to use as a screening question for PMC interviews:)

@Quinton Thomas   She may know or suspect who did it because she told her friends she moved and she told them she was upset with you. I would not work on cameras I would get them in there right away.   Not sure how a property manager would have prevented this but if you want one hire one.  

When you buy in these areas that is the dynamic you have to mitigate. If you are not going to be there often, without question you are going to have to hire someone who can. You will eat way into your bottom line without one. When getting another condenser try putting it in later when you are coming close to being done and ready for marketing. Also, you will need to cage it down. Sounds like you are going to need a security system with ring cameras or something like that. Without someone there on top of the situation you become a mark and people will break in at will do continue steal and do damage. They day you put all your appliances in is the same day they all move out the back door. Get that PM. Just the nature of the beast. 

Yes, you should file an insurance claim.  Insurance should cover vandalism.  Insurance on a rent property doesn't cover personal property so I would not call it that.  What was stolen was part of the house, so vandalism.

I'd be surprised if your prior resident did the damage because she pointed the finger at herself by calling you. (Of course, people have done dumber things.)  Before re-renting, I would get a report from the local police to see if this is a regular occurrence in that area.

@Quinton Thomas, I don't think it would be unusual for a tenant to stop by to get mail if they forgot to get it forwarded at the post office. Also the post office sometimes still delivers even when they receive a forwarding address. So, I would not assume it was the prior tenant. Vacant houses are targets for this type of activity. In my area its common for vacant houses to have all the copper pipes stripped for example because those materials are impossible to trace and easy to turn into some quick cash.

A job-site type security camera would be the way I would go. They use a SIM card and can send images right to you wherever you are. Another simple low tech suggestion would be to have a few lights in the house on timers. So, that go on and off at different times to give the appearance of occupancy. I also provide mini-blinds in my units and that would keep anyone from easily peeking in to see if a place is vacant as well. 

If you are buying property in the hood, this comes with the territory. Have your contractors pack up all their material and anything that can be stolen at the end of each day. You should be expecting petty things like this. 

Sorry to here that my friend I recommend you get a property manager file a claim and follow the process. It will make your life a whole lot easier. People make the mistake of thinking they can save money by not getting a property manager but it will save you time and money in the end. I just recently sold my property in Birmingham, AL I can give you a recommendation as well.