All Forum Posts by: Ryan Konen

Welcome! Lawton definitely has its reputation, and you're right about the single-industry concern and the high crime perception, which makes it counterintuitive for many investors. However, some investors see potential in these markets because of low entry costs, steady military demand for housing, and decent cash flow from rentals, especially if the area has stable, government-backed tenants like service members. Ultimately, Lawton could be appealing to cash-flow-focused investors comfortable with high-risk, high-reward environments and looking to leverage a reliable rental base tied to Fort Sill.

1. You may have a case if you can prove the builder neglected a structural standard, especially since other units received retaining walls. Documenting erosion severity, prior concerns, and the contractor's assessment could help support a claim. 

2. A construction or real estate attorney specializing in builder disputes would be best. Look for attorneys with experience in warranty claims and construction defects, or ask for referrals from local real estate groups or bar associations.

Congrats on your STR success! Rates for STR management typically range from 20-30% of revenue, depending on the level of service and market demand

Great deal! The large lot with ADU potential is a fantastic value-add. Smart move leveraging hard and private money for flexibility, and congrats on the above-listing price escrow—shows strong demand for a well-renovated property!

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Yes, you can generally use suspended PALs from other properties to offset gains when you fully dispose of a property in a taxable transaction. However, since you listed each property under separate activities, you may face limitations. It's best to consult a tax advisor to confirm if your setup allows for cross-property PAL usage in your specific case.

Hey there! For HELOCs without W2 income, look into local credit unions or community banks, as they often have more flexibility with alternative income verification and rental portfolios. Some lenders specialize in asset-based lending, considering rental income on Schedule E, especially if you have strong rental history. You might also consider lenders like Velocity Mortgage or LendingOne, which cater to real estate investors.

Like you mentioned Wise often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than a bank. However, if the amount is substantial, you might want to compare Wise with a few other specialized currency transfer services, like OFX or Revolut, to ensure you’re getting the best deal on rates and fees.

For rehab work, especially if you're tackling kitchens, baths, and landscaping, a few essential power tools come in handy. A quality cordless drill, impact driver, circular saw, oscillating multi-tool, and reciprocating saw are must-haves for versatility and efficiency. Brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita are highly rated for durability and performance, and they often have good discounts around Black Friday.

Kmart was great in it's hayday