All Forum Posts by: Sophia Wang

Thanks so much, Matt and Luis!

Thanks John!

Just figured out how to post image.

The Air Vent: (The thing that confuses me is that it is only on the outside, not inside. I would imagine if it is from the duct, it should show up on the inside first. )

Floor: (it is actually not too obvious. I got the images from the tenants, so will have to have my handyman to come out and check on it)

This second photo indicates up to her finger tip the floor is bending up.

We have been back and forth on this one, and I am really not comfortable making a decision on this without consult the community here at BP.

The subject property is a SFH built in year 1900 in a historical area of the town. The house is at a very good location, and the pricing is quite attractive based on our analysis. HOWEVER, the agent indicates there was settlement issue, and it has been corrected in the last 10 years and verified by structural engineer.

We can feel the settlement issue while checking out the house, especially in one room, the windows and doors are not aligned, and the floor is most certainly tilted. Our agent feels it is something we should get a structural engineer to check out during inspection period should we put forward an offer.

Our concern is that once a house has settlement issue, how reliable is the correction previously put in place? What if the house keeps settling in the future? Also, we have never worked with a structural engineer before, what is the process like having a structural inspection? Do they need to tear open things to inspect? How much usually a structural inspection would cost?

Thank you very much in advance!

We just got a buy-n-hold property (SFH) a few weeks back, and the rehab is done. We did notice there are mouse droppings throughout the house, both 1st and 2nd floors. The house was empty for over 6 months with no food left inside.

We are looking to get the pest control guy to treat the rodent issue, but wanted to ask your experience landlords before we commit to anyone.

1) Some company offers either rodent control or general pest control, the later includes the rodent treatment plus other common pests/bugs/spiders. We do not see any bugs besides rodent droppings in the house. Do you suggest us getting the general pest control, or only the rodent control? Pricing is not that much different.

2) The two companies we inquired charges us anywhere from $140 to $160 for the initial treatment, and $45-$85 for each quarterly treatment. I feel it is a bit high, but not sure if that is the going rate for this kind of service. We are in Richmond, Virginia.

3) Do we need to get the quarterly service for rental properties? We only have another property, and don't have pest control service for that one, but have not received any complaint so far for the last 5 years.

Thank you!

We have a townhouse in FL currently rented out. Last weekend, the tenant sent me a few text messages for concern of mold in the house.

Back in January, we have had the downstairs half bath toilet clogged once, and some water overflew but not too bad. We had the pergo laminate wood floor in the adjacent living room. Water was removed quickly, and didn't cause any damage at the time.

Fast forward to last weekend. Tenant reported that the pergo floor next to the half bath started to 'bow' a bit, and it has been getting more obvious over the last few weeks. It is still not bad, but getting noticeable. ALSO, they noticed there are some spots (grey-light brownish) showing up on the downstairs AC vent covers. The spots are not there on the inside of the vent covers, nor anywhere on the upstairs vent covers. They are concerned if it may be mold, so reported to us.

Given the fact that it has been almost 10 months since the water overflow issue, I can't imagine the bowing of the floor and the spots on the vent cover are from the moisture back then. But have got no other leads. What would be the best service person we should get to take a look? A mold guy?

The article says that "She earned her share of the cash primarily from offering a service where she clears out foreclosed houses on behalf of the new investors. ". I doubt that would be considered looting.....

Can't decide which forum this would fit better. She may or may not be the youngest landlord out there, but seeing this makes me feel that Real Estate Investing is really something anyone CAN do if they have the drive! Also, it is important for parents to financially educate the next generation the smart way.

http://www.mymoneyblog.com/meet-americas-youngest-landlord.html

Chris Masons, Will mentioned that it is 7200+ sq ft SFH on over 2 acres lot.

Congrats Will! I have been hearing about the 7 digit deal for quite a while from various posts from you and others, but finally got to the right post. Hope the rehab goes well. Can't wait to see pictures and video footage.

For those of you interested in learning how to take better photos (angle, composition, and lighting) or how to do basic editing. You can check out Lynda.com. I have learnt a lot from watching their tutorials. I'd try out one month subscription before I jump into yearly agreement though.