All Forum Posts by: Rosy Bruno

@James Letchford thank you for the post! I have used quickbooks before and wasn't a huge fan but that could have been due to my lack of knowledge of the software. I'll give it another shot, especially if it seems to be working for you and others :) How many properties do you manage with quickbooks, if you don't mind me asking? Do you think you will "outgrow" it at some point?

@Jay Dean I love that you touch on the taxes because that is exactly what I want to be able to take advantage of. But I agree with your point on getting with someone to set me up. Thanks for the help!

Hi everyone,

When first starting out, what did you do to keep track of your expenses, revenues, receipts, quotes, numbers, numbers, money, money, etc...? What software or programs helped you the best?

Also, what were some of the mistakes you made that you wish someone had warned you about?

I am looking to purchase a quad in Fresno but a big part of my hesitation is keeping track of the finances. Even with a degree in finance, I am very nervous of what I should do. I know I can't know everything starting out, but I want to make sure I set up a good bookkeeping foundation versus cursing myself down the road.

As always, I appreciate everything you guys have to say...it has all been so informative and helpful!

Rosy

@Perry Farella wow I had no clue!!! That's very exciting and ill definitely be sure to look into it, if not for this purchase, then for others! Thank you very much for the insight!

@Jay Orlauski

Amazing information as per usual! Thank you for explaining your thought process and logic behind your decisions. I definitely believe that a contractor is an investment and you can't be cheap with your investments.

What did you typically hire contractors for? Are you a fan of valuing your time over doing the work yourself? How do you value that?

Thanks again!

Good luck with this!

What types of things do you look for in a developer? I wouldn't know where to begin so understanding your thought process behind selecting one will help immensely. Thank you!!

Hi All,

I have been mulling the idea of hiring a contractor or doing the renos/remodels on my own. I am currently thinking of doing basic work such as floors, cabinets, tiling, and bathrooms so projects I believe I can tackle on my own.

But what are some of the stories you have when using a contractor in the Fresno area, what drove your decision, what did you use them for, and who would you recommend, or never hire again?

Thank you! I'm very excited to hear what you have to say :D

Rosy

@Aaron Bernbach that's awesome to hear. Its really cool knowing that Fresno is making enough headway that people notice us :D And I've given LA some thought because my husband wants to live there (I am undecided).

Do you have any deals that you're working on right now? I have yet to take the plunge so I'm intrigued as to the little lessons people have learned.

Melissa Kirchhoff thank you for your insight. I had forgotten about the appraisal aspects so I'll be sure to ask when I'm looking for lenders. And maybe once I've met and networked with contractors I'll be able to use a 203k. I feel at this point I don't know enough about what to expect in costs that I'd rather hold off on paying people; and I don't really plan on doing structural changes. Just flooring, cabinets, bathrooms, basic things :)

@Avi Garg it all depends on what you're looking for. Fresno is a very family oriented community (not a huge night life for being such a big city). We have a large university so if you are looking to rent to students, Fresno state university or even Fresno community would be good. As far as SF goes, I haven't been able to find any good deals but then again I'm pretty new at this so there is a lot that I could be missing. Work is scattered throughout the city (there is no main area) so you'd be ok looking at specific areas for their look and feel vs commute/proximity to anything since there isn't much.

Downtown is suppose to be getting a facelift but we are in the very beginning stages so not much there, yet. Hope this helps!