All Forum Posts by: Ross Kalmbach

@Edward Becnel Welcome to BP!  There is a lot of great information on this site and you are on the right path.  If you plan to invest in a particular area you might want to set up a keyword alert.  I have one set for Louisiana and Monroe so that I can keep informed on the new members in the area and any deals that might show up.  Good luck and happy investing!

I have been using Lumber Liquidators.  I can find specials that look good for $0.99/sq. ft. and for the better rentals they have some around $1.39/sq. ft.  From what I've noticed it is a lot better quality that what is at Home Depot and Lowe's.  The padding is already attached so all you need is moisture barrier.  Quick and easy install too - easy enough to do a room a day with cutting. 

Found a great company around here that did a new install inside unit and outside, cleaned the ducts and sealed them, for $5,500.  Only a 1200 sq. ft. house.  Have another that is around 2100 sq. ft. and had a quote of $6,000 due to better compeition in the area - will have that one installed mid next month before it gets too hot.  

@Richard Russell I see the price of the mini split systems can get up there with a HVAC unit.  Are those something an investor could install themselves?  Right now it is average around 5k with install for HVAC here.  If I could get away with the mini system's installed for around 3 that would be great - and I see some systems around 1k (without install).

I have the same dilemma in the house I am currently fixing up to be rented.  I believe I am going to remove the wall for two reasons:

1) I think the removal to a more open kitchen/living room plan will add a slight increase to rental value.

2) It will greatly increase the resale value if I every choose to sell as everyone wants open floor plans nowadays it seems.

A little more reasoning on my choice:

The area has great schools (all A/B+ and for all grade levels) and new subdivisions are opening up all around.  The houses in my subdivision are older (1970's) and only a few have been updated as of now.  The median rent is $800 for a 3/1.5 in the neighborhood but I believe after new floors, paint, appliances, and removal of the wall it should be able to bring in ≈ $1000 and possible more as a few investors are in the processing of remolding several others in the neighborhood.

Good luck!

I bet the market in California is a little different than it was in Louisiana :) Welcome to BP!

@Marco Garza  I just listen to the podcast here and there when I have time at work and then usually just keep up with the newest post from time to time.  And the search feature works nicely too when you need information on a specific subject (had to research post on foundation issues earlier this week).

Welcome.  Don't forget you can set alerts for your area (county, state, etc.) or on any other topics you like.  Great way to be efficient in reading the post that add the most value.  Good luck and enjoy!

1) Accessibility - I have a 9-5 (more like 7-5) and a limited amount of time to look at houses during the weekdays.

2) Communication - A quick response is nice. The ability to use other forms of communication besides phone (a lot of older real estate agents in the area will not use text/email efficiently or at all - which I am able to use at work as opposed to long phone calls).

3) Knowledge Of Area - New to area and having someone know the area what is upcoming (building projects, school starts, and new housing developments) really helps.

Anyway, just my personal list. Good luck!

Welcome to BP :)  Don't forget to set up alerts for the forums for your area.  Great way to keep up with what is going on if you have a full time job and don't have time to search through all the post.  I have mine set for Louisiana (brought me here) and my area of Monroe.  Good luck!