All Forum Posts by: John Arendsen

I've been getting very good information from myriad BP members/contributors in the short time I'm been a non paying member. But I keep getting posts that require that I upgrade my account in order to reply or participate. 

Can someone other than a paid BP employee please explain to me what the advantages and perks of upgrading your account really is? I'm not averse to upgrading but I just want to know from other members if it has really helped them since they subscribed.

I have been a paying "RAINMAIKER" on Active Rain, a very good residential real estate blog, since '08. In '14 I was elevated to an "AMBASSADOR" which is a title that gives the member more status and recognition as an active, knowledgeable and experienced member/contributor. 

There's no charge or dues requirements for that status either. It's simply based on how long you've been a member and what you can bring to the table as a resourceful member/contributor. 

@Kevin Fox, Looking forward to it.

@Djurica Bukur, Ha! Big thanks to you as well for reaching out. No biggie really. It only took 7 decades. I'm hoping that all you young whipper snippers can learn these lessons a lot sooner than I. From what I've been privileged to witness and be a part of on this platform thus far I'm seeing a lot of you folks doing just that. So glad to be a part of such an enterprising venue.

@Kevin Fox, Big thank my San Diego friend. Perhaps we could meet sometime.

As a 70 years old retired general contractor/developer and a current RE broker, investor and PM with a reasonably good portfolio I have to say that I have lost my zest for massive cash and have resigned myself to passive cash which serves us well at this station in life.

A lot of folks love the feeling of building more and more wealth and I applaud that quality. As for me? I'm just a dumb ole retired guy that loves to surf, globe trot, walk the city streets and sandy beaches with my lovely bride of 41 years and hang with my 5 kids and 14 grandkiddies at Disneyland every chance we have.

Apprehension is a good thing. It doesn't hurt to be a little anxious coming out of the gate. It makes you dot the eyes a lot more diligently. The info you've received is good. The only think I might recommend is stepping up for an appraisal and comps unless one already exists that less than 6 months old. This will not only reassure you about the economic dynamics it could give you additional negotiating leverage if the numbers don't jive. Just a thought.

Hello fellow San Diegan. I asked the very same question on this platform not too long ago and received some very good answers. Since then I've spread some around a bit but still plan on sitting on lots of cash for the short term future given the state of the economy and the global dynamics that could push us into a recession until the fog lifts and we can get a better grip on which way the wind is blowing. Nothing wrong with cash.

However, the one thing we did just pull the trigger on was a commercial building with neon sign privileges grandfathered in. It's also located on a very heavily traveled frontage road that exceeds 50k cars/day and parallels one of San Diego's most heavily traveled freeways. Once we do about a 100k rehab It will produce us an 8.5 cap at 2$/sf NNN if we just lease to regular medical and/or related businesses as it's right in the middle of a very heavily populated medical zone.

Depending on timing and wether Marijuana gets a green light in November in 26 States including Cali we could lease it to a MJ dispensary on a 20 year lease with a high double digit cap NNN.

Personally, I think the train has left the station on MJ and the Fed will have no choice but to acquiesce to the desires of the 30 plus stated that will have legalized or at least de criminalized it. As a person who doesn't use the substance in any way, shape or form I think it a very prudent business opportunity for the future.

So much so that I've alto invested in Colorado greenhouses that are already in full operation and considered the Coors of MJ propagating, production and distribution. Once Cali has voted to legalize it the is same company has already made all the necessary contacts and is financially capable and prepared to embark upon the State and will be one of the biggest players in the industry Nationwide. 

Just my 3 cents adjusted for inflation.

I would definitely be considering working with a commercial specialist. Is there a particular reason you've chosen a residential specialist?

For a lot of folks who love to be busy and hands on PM is a great thing. However, for those who are less hands on or don't like dealing with people and a lot of detail you're better off steering clear of that. 

I happen to manage my own personal investment properties because they're all close by and have minimal issues. But were I to start investing out of my farm I'd definitely buddy up with a good PM or find a good local partner who would be responsible for all the PM obligations and responsibilities.

For what it's worth I errored. I actually have 5 children 4 of whom still live in SoCal and my daughter who moved to Austin. Didn't have to say this but I just think it's bad luck if I leave one out. LOL!!