All Forum Posts by: Paul Santos

No, rental properties does not appear to be a category under the City of Phoenix Business page that requires licensing. There are only 14 specific activities within Phoenix that require a license, land lording  is not one of them. 

https://www.phoenix.gov/cityclerk/services/licensing

@Lindsay Johnson there are no limits in real estate, only those limits that you place on yourself. Three key elements in your journey to educate yourself in real estate:

1. BIGGERPOCKETS - but you know this already because you are here, take advantage of all the free information BP offers, from books, podcasts, forums, local events, webinars and networking, just to name a few. 

2. READ - following the above you will quickly come to realize that there are a good 10-20 must read books out there dealing in various real estate subjects. Reading is the most cost-effective way to educate yourself and get all your basics in place. BP has published some excellent books in this arena. 

3. PODCASTS - take of advantage of the BP podcast, but also the numerous other podcasts out there that will help you formulate plan and help get your first deal.

Enjoy and the best of luck you! 

I went through the same thing last year. I started looking at all the local brokers by first searching online. A lot of them give details on what they offer their agents, i.e. commission structure, training, and other agent support/benefit information right on their websites. 

Ultimately you have to go with the one you feel comfortable with and offers you the right level of support. Also, search online for Independent Contractor Agreements, as some agencies have the broker/agent agreement online which further details the association between you and your broker. Some agencies offer broad real estate service, i.e. residential, commercial, land, and property management, while others might offer less. 

Keep in mind that having an agency whose office is close can be very convenient. Don't be afraid to reach out to agencies and interview them on what they offer and why you should work for them. If you know any agents ask them as well, get their insight. You can see below who I went with, so you know where I stand. Good luck, stay dedicated, and enjoy the journey....

Welcome to BP @Justin Owens.

@Account Closed you came to the right place! BP is chock full of real estate information, check out the forums, blogs, podcasts, free download material, and books written by BP. Get involved with the forums and start posting questions, comments, insights, and don't be shy to share your story. 

Welcome and enjoy your journey!

@Paul Winka as long as you apply your rental criteria equally among all potential tenants and do not violate any of the Fair Housing protected classes, you should be fine. Also check with your state/local, as they may have additional protected classes/discrimination laws.  

In my world, most people do have a bank account (many have several bank accounts), and a credit card(s), and job(s), and a financial history. That history allows me as a landlord to properly screen potential tenants. Being new in real estate has nothing to do with it, what matters is getting a bad tenant that will ruin your bank account. As a licensed real estate agent, I am very aware of discriminatory practices. There are seven protected classes, a bank account is not one of them.

The transformation is amazing, and the decor perfect. A great four minute video highlighting a pretty awesome rehab! Congrats.

@Account Closed If a potential tenant doesn't have a bank account, they probably won't be my tenant.

@Brandon Vega I bought a rental in San Tan Valley (3bd/2ba SFH) this past December and live here in Gilbert. Let me know if you want to get together and swap notes.