All Forum Posts by: Paul M.

I do it often, depends on location.

I don't really like how it can scratch easily, and it's harder for it to look clean. Fingerprints, water streaks, etc.

On the topic of cutting edge things that landlord's can provide now to set themselves apart: USB charge outlet http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002TG4N6/ref=cm_sw_em_r_am_ip_am_us?ie=UTF8

Ethernet wiring also of course.

Speaker wiring (not really modern, bust most places don't have it)

HDMI outlet where the TV will be mounted and also where the HDMI device will be.

Sorry why would tenants be disturbed less by the unit above them being worked on that below? I'd think sound would transfer downwards easier than upwards? Is there another factor?

The law was changed again in 2008 in a way that screwed people with rental property. You can't take an exclusion for the years it was a rental property from 2009 onwards. That is if you rented it starting Jan 1, 2013 until you sold it Dec 31st, 2014, you would have to pay capital gains tax on 2/18ths of the appreciation (assuming you've owned it for 18th years at that point). This proportion of the gain that you have to pay taxes on will increase every year. Of course hopefully the value will also increase.

Not sure why this is not widely known. Maybe Steven or others can speak more elegantly to the 2008 change.

I wouldn't recomend it unless you are going to live there. Two young dentists can make higher returns through their work and real estate is going to be a distraction. Especially because it sounds like you already don't have time for it. What happens when you have kids?

I think we investors sometimes romanticize how awesome real estate investing is. Don't get me wrong, it is the choice that is right for me, but it a choice that redirects energy from other competing productive activities. The opportunity cost of real estate would be higher if I was a dentist.

Unless your 250k business only requires you to work half time or less, you should be cautious about spreading yourself to thin. The returns on a highly profitable business are usually higher than those from real estate. If that is not an issue, the diversification would be a benefit.

Do you own your own home? Start by purchasing a multiunit building, live in one unit rent the others out. If those aren't available in your area, buy a single family and rent out rooms (you are still young enough to do that for a few more years until you can't stand it anymore).

I'd rather not use a HELOC on my primary residence, but I'd like a pony too. Since I don't have 100-200k sitting in a bank account, and I don't want to use expensive lenders, that is the best option.

Maybe it is because I don't have a large building, but I don't see how paper maintenance requests are practical. Tenants email, text or call me when there is an issue.

In my state having them sign something might help legally, though it would be awkward to the relationship and impractical because I'm often doing the work when they are not around.

I don't use cash on cash return. The principal portion of the monthly mortgage payment is too much of an important part of my true income to ignore. I use net income/paid in equity and net income/mark to market equity.

Does anyone in Mass use the GBREB forms and or the GBREB eforms site to generate them? The website is a little confusing. Does it allow you the ability to customize the forms by using checkboxes and what not? The site is unclear what kind of service you are buying for $200.

Also the samples forms have clauses I don't want to appear at all (rent escalation clauses) and they have a date of 2005 (have the laws not changed during that time? Maybe not) but elsewhere it says "get your 2012 forms. Is it just the sample that is 2005?

In general I'm pretty frustrated at trying to figure out the website.

I think I'd prefer to buy all the forms in Word and be able to customize.