All Forum Posts by: Steven Rasovsky

@Gainet M.. I'm not sure if building is necessary. I have been touring some properties. Just tough to find something that has a loading dock big enough for a semi and space that wouldn't require crazy amounts of investment to get up to food facility grade.

Also, if you're looking for a great banker to do a refinance deal, I can recommend someone. I just did a cash out refi on my duplex in S. Kennsington. Worked out great and now have the cash for the next deal. 

Welcome to the community! Good luck/have fun with your first property.

I'm looking to buy some industrially zoned land from the city of Philadelphia. We're planning to use the land to build a production facility and move our granola bar company from central PA to Philly. I need to get approval from the city council in order to get the deal to go through. Does anyone have any tips/pointers on this process? Wondering how best to approach the council person...

I hear you. I am a first time investor going through the process right now. Put in my first bid and am making little mistakes and not knowing answers every step of the process. But every day I'm learning and BP has already helped me avoid a lot of mistakes I would have made. And every day I go to bed knowing that tomorrow I'll be more equipped to handle the next challenges that come up.

Ask yourself: What am I actually afraid of? What's the worst that can happen? How much would it suck if I didn't take action and found myself 10 years down the line, exactly where I am today?

Also, it helps me to remember that challenges just make me more creative and happy. I think that solving problems is a big part of the purpose of life. Get out there, take a risk and solve the issues that will come up. You're going to do great!

I'd also recommend reading Dale Carnegie's book: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. I found it to be really useful.

@Tyana Everett I'd recommend listening to the BP podcasts on finding motivated sellers. You can do direct mail, or drive down streets looking for rundown houses and then get seller info. You can put up flyers in neighborhoods or ask everyone you meet if someone they know is selling. From what I heard, finding motivated sellers sounds like a pretty proactive endeavor that requires hitting the street or mailing a lot. 

@Paulette Midgette, thanks for your insight. Super helpful. And the Plan Philly article is great. Definitely will look more into those repurposing plans as they emerge 

Will make sure to visit Germantown/Mt. Airy.  

@Troy Sheets, ha re: Fishtown. When you see a La Colombe flagship store you know it's game over.

So it's a bit confusing since I can only show one location on my profile, but I'm actually from York, PA and am doing a grad degree out in Seattle. I come back to PA to run my family granola bar business quite often and am looking to go into partnership with my dad in buying, rehabing and renting out spaces in Philly. Thanks for the insight on commercial demand. I am looking to potentially use the commercial space myself for an upcoming project.

Looked at your site by the way. Did you rehab the dover st. location? Looks awesome, congrats on sell!

Great question. Honestly, it's not the most informed decision at this point. Planning to walk the neighborhood this weekend to get a better idea. 

I sell granola bars to coffee shops in Philadelphia and have been asking around about where the new cafes are popping up and where artists are moving. Many have said Brewerytown. Seeing trends in NYC, I have started getting into the mindset of following the artists to find the next hot spot. 

I am totally open to other neighborhoods. Trying to learn the area. Any tips would be awesome. Fishtown is on my radar as well.

Looking to make moves on property (4-5 bed + commercial unit ground floor) in Brewerytown in the ballpark of 60-70k. Strategy is to buy, renovate, rent out. 

Anyone interested in this space and want to chat?