All Forum Posts by: Eric Wang

Report to Building and Code Enforcement regarding the issue of leak and mold. Since this involves molds, report it to the State Department Health and Services.

Owning property in the Bay Area can be quite expensive, making multi family properties more attractive. A lot of properties in my area do not cash flow, unless it's old money. In your 2 example, both properties is in the negative.

Can't tell you what prices will be like in 10 years. I can tell you this, if California unemployment rate of 11.5% doesn't improve, the rental and home prices will suffer. I have noticed a lot of vacancy in my area, no jobs, no renters.

In my City, they require you to pull permits for little things such as changing an outlet. I know the last HVAC I hired to replaced a furnace didn't pull permits, didn't even ask me if I wanted one. The few contractors I spoken with, always leave it up to the homeowner if they want permits. I always have to ask them, does that include permit.

Barbara, I didn't get my info online. This is just what I have seen in my area. I look at past sales. You also have to realize I live in the Bay Area where appreciation really depends on zip code. Property usually appreciate with inflation. The standard number to use is 5%. When I look at properties, I'm not looking at appreciation. I care more about cash flow.

Just curious, are inspector going to inquirer about permits? For example, a new light fixture was added, are they going to ask you were permits pull?

Just want to make some things clear. This is a sub panel with only a neutral bar which is bonded. Installing a mini split ac, requiring a 20 amp breaker.

I spoke with someone at the City and they were not very helpful. I had license electrician give me some estimate. I ask what they were going to do with the ground wire.

First electrician, since the neutral bar is bonded, you can put the neutral and ground on the same bar just like Jon mentioned.

Second electrician, your going to need a GFCI Breaker. Not much different than putting a GFCI outlet, which I was going to do.

Third person was a HVAC person, put the neutral and ground on the same bar and install a ground rod next to the condenser and attached to the condenser. Some people I spoke with said ground rod is not necessary.

It looks like ground and neutral on the same bar will be ok but not safer. It's so hard to find a good electrician you can trust.
I going to see if I can get some referrals.

The California Fair Housing can be very complicated.

In my area, income property appreciate just as the same as SFH. Then again, I live in the Bay Area, where properties in general are expensive.

Keep in mind, tenant can also move out at anytime they want.
Another option is to do short term leases, 3-6 month.
You give them 30 days notice and let the lease expire.