All Forum Posts by: Ryan R.

@Karen Margrave my point is simply that we all have to overcome a perceived deficiency or flaw; whether accurate or not.

I'm just honest enough to admit that I form opinions of people throughout my experience with them. Anyone who claims that they don't is not being truthful.

@Karen Margrave I wouldn't call it a rush to judgement. Maybe I call it anxious anticipation.

Semantics aside, there are lots of characteristics that have the potential to cause others to be critical of us. My characteristic is youth, I'm under 30 years of age and don't look a day over 25. People often underestimate my intelligence, my competency, my wisdom, and even my net worth.

Being a woman is one of many characteristics that go into the equation but it's no different than the others.

Most of us like to put the people we meet into categories, that's why first impressions are so important.

I don't approach or judge female colleagues any more harsh than male colleagues, but I do tend to want to size-them-up faster. I want to quickly know what category a female fits into.

It's all about perception.

I have lots of tools; so many that if you give me the materials and enough time, I can build you a house from the foundation up. But the most important tool can't be bought, and that's experience.

No matter the tool, it's only as good as the operator using it. Your tool acquisition should coincide with your knowledge and experience. Don't be afraid to call in a pro; in time, you'll be able to accomplish more and more.

The first thing I do is rate the neighborhood. Get an average price per sq ft that houses are selling for in that area.

Determine what repairs need to be performed and how much those will cost. The most cost effective method, if you are unable to make the assessment, is whatever method is the cheapest but still accurate. This might be an appraiser, maybe its a G.C.

I've been in your exact situation.

No problem with it being in your name. Your insurance sounds sufficient unless you're a high net-worth individual.

I've always used a CPA. With depreciation, and all of the expense deductions, it's been advantageous during tax time.

The above is my opinion based on my experiences.

Some of the items in the SOW seem unnecessary.

I just negotiated with my AC guy (about 30 minutes ago) a brand new 5 ton 14 seer system, new plenum, air returns; the works for less than your bid. The only thing he is reusing is some of the flexible ducts that are still good.

Get more bids.

Yes @Jon Klaus I've spent many hours crunching numbers and thinking of locations for one of those.

I think if you can save some money having it put together and negotiate a good deal with the manufacturer, it would be a sweet deal.

One option is to turn the temperature setting on your hot water-heater down to prevent it from producing scalding temperatures. This will effect the volume of hot water your tank produces though, meaning your tenants will run out of hot water faster.

Another option is to have a plumber install a thermostatic shower valve. He will have to expose the plumbing behind the shower valve, but they make kits that conceal the large hole made without having to re-tile the area. A rough cost will be $300 for everything.

A successful real estate investor has the resources (money & knowledge) to weather the risks that will come up.

There are a lot of ways to mitigate risk but no way to eliminate it.