All Forum Posts by: Tara Ballenger

Hello! I'm a Realtor, and I'm trying to set up a website using Wordpress. For now, I'd prefer to just go with Wordpress.com with a custom domain name, just to get started so I can have a digital business card and start to build my blog audience. 

Eventually I'd like to convert to Wordpress.org, so I can have full control and implement an IDX plugin, etc. Should I worry about this conversion/migration down the road? Will it be a headache? Will I lose ranking by switching server and hosts? I could start with Wordpress.org but I'd really prefer to keep things simple right now because I have a lot on my plate.

Is the Realtor alright? Do you know any more about the circumstances of what happened? That is definitely frightening to hear, thanks for sharing.  

Such a great idea!! Can't wait to join. The bias and barriers are absolutely there, but connecting for support and networking (and old girls' club, if you will?) is a big step in the right direction.

I've been using Cozy for about 6 months now. I use it for two units and four total tenants. It's gone off without a hitch so far, no problem setting up accounts or receiving payments. Waiting for the money to FINALLY post (4-5 days) is definitely the worst part, but you do get updated as to whether the payment has been initiated by the tenant, which is better than "the check's in the mail" in my opinion. It's convenient for my tenants because three of them are roommates, and Cozy allows them to divide payments up and pay me separately, so there isn't that one put-upon roommate who has to cash all the roommate checks to his account and then write me another check. One thing to note is that Cozy does report payments to the IRS - not a big deal, just make sure you numbers match up at tax time!

Greetings BP Friends, 

I'm in Portland, Oregon, and I'm wanting to explore my options on a cash-out refinance on my duplex (not owner-occupied). Does anyone have recommendations for a good lender/broker who knows what's up and could give me some insight into the process?

Many thanks!

@JR HindsJust wondering if you could share with the group? I'm out that way as well and I've been toying with the idea of hiring a PM team as well... 

Thanks!

Thank you guys for all the tips. 

@David C. I met with Stephen Barkley and he seems pretty solid. Thanks for the lead. I mentioned "David C. from Hillsboro" but he didn't recognize you without your last name :) 

@Ryland Taniguchi I know no one can tell the future, but I'm curious how long you think Tacoma will continue to have good deals? There seems to be steady investor interest there. 

Thanks to all the people who weighed in about the mentoring. Very helpful! 

Hi Maureen, 

I went with OnlineEd.com, because it was affordable and internet-based. It took me about a month to get through the course, working full time (but no youngsters at home!). I took the test a few weeks later. I found the test to be very easy, but I've taken TONS of standardized tests in my life, and I have a knack for it. I've heard from some people that it was easy, others that it was hard. 

If you're taking the course with OnlineEd (or any other online-based course), PM me. I can tell you some study tricks I used to get through the course much faster. 

Hang in there, and keep in mind, if you fail the test, it's only another $75 and a two-day wait before you can re-take it. So don't sweat it too much. You will get it eventually.