All Forum Posts by: Ryan Collins

@Kevin D. did you end up pulling the trigger on this one? If so, what was your experience?

@Daryl Anderson & @Stacey Fernandez I ended up using another guy that was very reasonable. I forget the name of his company but his name is James White. I don’t think me & Bob were able to connect on his guy’s contact info but hopefully this helps see his contact info below. He’s in the Cleveland Heights area but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind traveling. You can see the above pictures in the original post I’ll also include what his tuckpoint job looked like after (FYI - the mortar is still wet in the photos - so that’s why it was darker for the moment). It may be a little tough to see the chimney because of the sun. Also for re-assurance I had an issue a year later where the new mortar had cracked I called him and he came out and corrected it free of charge so his work is guaranteed and he’s a straight shooter (hard to find nowadays). I sent mostly texts to him. He’s good about getting back.

Hi All, 

It's been a while since I've been on the site. I'm reaching out to see if any BP'ers are extensively familiar with the Houston market. I just moved down here about 6 months ago (right after Harvey) and I'm currently looking for a new primary residence. I know a decent amount but definitely not enough to say I'm overly confident in this FAST moving market. 

We've found a perfect home in the Rosenberg area with everything we want but from what I'm reading the school systems are just so-so. Although I was just told not to put too much stock in to GreatSchools, SchoolDigger, Niche and others reviews. It's in the Reserves at Brazos/Enclave area.

For whatever reason it seems these homes are moving slow, and potentially having an issue holding value. Nonetheless it's an extremely new area and I'm curious as to if I should make the jump here or raise my price limit and look into other well-established areas with solidified school systems such as Pearland, Katy, the newer areas of Richmond (Long Meadow, Harvest Green...). Some of the reasons I'm considering on making the jump into this area is because they are steadily continuing to develop at a crazy rate, it has good highway access, the neighbors are cool and the location to the shopping center makes it ideal. My drawbacks are that because it's so new it could still be a serious risk in losing money, there's no guarantee the school systems will turn around once built out, and it has high HOA fees. Let me know your thoughts. Anything constructive is appreciated.

Just another little pre-qualifier...I am currently working with a really good realtor but I'm on here asking because I value different perspectives and opinions. Also we're looking for newer builds and aren't interested in renovating because my lady is due soon. 

Hi Nate, 

Welcome to BP, this site is great with tons of information available. I'm a newbie just like you soaking up as much information as possible and looking to make that jump for my first investment deal. I've been on the site for a few months now but I will say I have just begun to actively use it and it feels like I'm getting closer and closer everyday. By the sounds of it we are almost in the same boat, I'm definitely looking for the financial freedom from the day job but also juggling bills and getting married soon. Another funny thing is that you mentioned you are in Solon, I went to school there for a period when I was younger but also attended Bedford and I'm pretty familiar with those areas. Let's keep in touch maybe we can connect on something in the future.

Stephanie Irto when you mentioned the Renovation Loan I am assuming these bids/budgets on the work must be done by certified contractors as well, correct? Also are the rates on these loans similar to the rates for other conventional loans? The reason I ask is because I am looking to get my first rental property and this seems like a good means of financing for this opportunity. It's a duplex for $22k, I haven't been to look at it, it yet but just going off the profile of the property it would probably need another $10-15k of work before I would be comfortable putting tenants in there. Which of course I would need to finance right now.

Hi @Bob Collett would you be willing to pass along his info? I've kind of let my situation drag out for a couple of weeks and I'm looking to make a move ASAP. 

I've never contracted out any work for my home and I wanted to make sure i am getting a good rate for some masonry work I need to have handled. The ******* who lived in the house before me decided his DIY work would include smearing excess mortar everywhere SMH!

As you can see per the attached images the damage to my front stairs is pretty extensive from the mortar and winter salt. I had a guy quote me approx $2700 for the work to remove the mortar and tuckpoint the stairs and chimney, and another contractor quote me almost half of that at $1400 for a complete rebuild (all new) of the steps and tuckpoint of the chimney. 

Of course I'm leaning towards the guy with the cheaper rate pending the guarantee of his work. He seems to be reputable and has a A+ rating with the BBB. However, I just wanted to check around with others who may have had to have this type of work done to see if they think the rate is high, low or just right. I'm in the Cleveland, OH area. 

Your opinions are greatly appreciated!

@Curt Davis Hi, any private/hard money lenders that you highly recommend?

Hi @Account Closed your fellow east-sider here. I've been looking into hard money lenders as well as I begin setting up a real estate investing strategy. I read that you came across one in our area and I was curious as to who that may be. Do you mind sharing? I'd like to check them out

I was directed towards one as well under the name of Flip Funding, LLC but I do not believe they are in Cleveland. I could not find a good contact address on their website (which also has made me leary) but check them out and let me know what you think.