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All Forum Posts by: Tom Ott

Tom Ott has started 941 posts and replied 4593 times.

Post: How to vet turnkey companies other than reviews

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368
Originally posted by @Tanner Shore:

Hey BP fam, 

I am a brand new investor and have decided OOS turnkeys is the route I am going to take. It might be because I am new and don't want to get burned, but I have heard stories of some turnkey companies being shady and having only their best interest in mind. 

My question is, what negative experiences or mistakes have you ever had/heard of from turnkey companies? I plan to go the turnkey route for my first 3-5 properties and maybe even all, so I want to make sure I choose a company that I can "partner" with for years and deals to come. 

Question #2, other than good reviews and referrals, are there are other good ways to vet these companies? Any and all input is appreciated! Thank you.

 I would seek out current and former investors. See what they have to say. Post a question on the forums and see if anyone can share their stories. Maybe just search in the forums for that company and see if anyone has posted about them. Often times when someone has had a bad experience they will post a detailed story in the forums. 

Good luck! 

Post: Investing in Cleveland Ohio and surrounding areas

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368
Originally posted by @Michael Ohara:
Originally posted by @Fernando E.:

@Michael Ohara thank you for your input. I agree with your analysis, venturing deeper in the woods to obtain higher cash flow increases the risk. I'm not shooting for a home run at this point, I wanted to win one that meets my goal of obtaining 1 cash flowing property and in a good area B or B+. That second part, the good area may be challenging, from your experience is it possible to own a cash flowing property in a good area? 

Honestly, I'm not in what many OOS investors would call 'good areas.' I'm in areas that OOS investors should stay out of unless they have a solid local team.  For your first venture in Cleveland I would talk to Tom from Smartland, and other Turnkey operators.  They operate in the 'good areas' and they will cash flow, unlike the Bay area, or Honolulu.  All the best. 

🤙🏽 

 Thanks for the shout out! Of course, Good vs. Bad is all relative, but I do like to stick to the suburbs. :)

Post: 🤑 TRUE Turnkey in Euclid, Ohio 16% COC Return 🤑

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368


This Property Is Managed for you!

****Purchase Price: $105,000****

All homes owned and renovated by Smartland!

Lender Financing Accepted!

ALL SMARTLAND HOMES ARE OWNED AND MANAGED BY SMARTLAND EXCLUSIVELY FOR SMARTLAND CLIENTS. SMARTLAND DOES NOT COMMINGLE PROPERTIES NOT ACQUIRED AND SOLD DIRECT BY SMARTLAND. SMARTLAND OFFERS A BOUTIQUE MANAGEMENT VENUE CATERED AND BUILT FOR SMARTLAND CLIENTS** Call for more information today!

Smartland Standard Home Features:

New Outlets, Switches and Wall Plates throughout

New Flooring throughout

New Door Bumpers, Door Hardware and Updated Doors throughout

New Paint - *all homes painted with Smartland Sherwin Williams Schedule

New Lighting & Fixtures - All Energy Efficient Bulbs throughout

----------------------------------

Green Oak Road, Euclid, Ohio 44117

Rent: $1,150.00/month

3 Bedroom 1.5 Bathroom

New Kitchen & New Bath

Updated Plumbing & Electrical Fixtures

Updated Flooring throughout

Updated Hot Water Tank

6 - Month Home Warranty

New Doors and Windows

OCCUPIED!

Much More

---------

Cleveland, Euclid, SFR, MFR, Turnkey, BRRRR, Buy-and-hold

Post: Ok to purchase turnkey (new investor)

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368
Originally posted by @Shawn S.:

I’m close to purchasing my first turnkey and I wanted to see what others thought about doing this during a pandemic. With unemployment rates running so high it seems likely that I could end up with an unemployed tenant that’s unable to pay rent. I want to invest just not sure if now is the best time. I know there is probably never a perfect time for anything. Would be great to hear your thoughts

 Consult with the Turnkey Provider. If they are a TRUE provider then they are currently managing the Turnkeys they sold. Ask them how they are performing right now. Are tenants paying etc. 

Ideally, the Turnkey Provider will do everything in-house. They should own the property first (NOT a listing from the MLS) then they should do all of the renovations in-house, place a tenant PRIOR to closing, and then the TK provider should stay on as the manager, again in-house.

Post: Which zip codes are good to invest @ Cleveland OH

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368
Originally posted by @Azmat Hossain:

investor looking to invest single-family home looking for help in Cleveland Ohio area if you have any registered agents who works for investors looking to purchase some single-family homes . Homes 3/2 @1500 sqt. Low crime Area

 Plenty of good areas around here. I like to stick to the suburbs. Cities like Euclid, South Euclid, Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights, Mayfield, Bedford, Maple Heights, Garfield Heights, Warrensville Heights, Wickliffe, Willowick, Eastlake, and Mentor. 

Post: Investing in Cleveland Ohio and surrounding areas

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368
Originally posted by @Fernando E.:

Hi BP community,

I hope everyone's staying safe & healthy

Will appreciate the groups comment on investing in areas outside Cleveland, Ohio like Euclid. If one is looking for cash flow, where will you invest, properly type and how much property did you find success? For example, Euclid, Single Family, $70-90K.I had an agent, lender and some property that I made an offer but didn’t pan out due to issues found in the house, then i stopped due to pandemic and also rethinking my strategy. Thanks in advance everyone!

 The suburbs of Cleveland, like Euclid, are great places to invest. There are so many properties out there that fit the criteria you mentioned. I would also look at some other surrounding areas like South Euclid, Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights, Bedford, Maple Heights, Garfield Heights, Warrensville Heights, Willowick, Wickliffe, Eastlake, and Mentor.

Post: Is it possible to build wealth with only turn-key properties?

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368
Originally posted by @Thomas W.:

I currently work 50-60 hours per week and am looking for a more passive way to invest in real estate as I believe that will give me the highest return in the long run.

I understand that buying a turn-key property from a company is going to have smaller margins, but assuming that I’ve vetted the company and deal is it possible to make substantial income using turn key companies?

For context my goal is to gross $20,000/month.

 Purchase Turnkeys is a great way to build passive income. Yes, there are other strategies out there, but not all of them make sense for everyone. Investors who invest OOS or work a 9-5 tend to go with Turnkeys as all of the work has been done for you. The idea is that you are building passive wealth and little-to-no work is done on your end. 

Ideally, the Turnkey Provider will do everything in-house. They should own the property first (NOT a listing from the MLS) then they should do all of the renovations in-house, place a tenant PRIOR to closing, and then the TK provider should stay on as the manager, again in-house.

Post: Turnkey properties as a member of the military

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368
Originally posted by @Sion Harrington:

Hello Everyone,

I am looking at options to get into real estate for the first time as a young officer in the military. I manage my expenses well and once I am settled for a decent period of time I want to make my first investment. I have done a bit of research (podcasts, forums, youtube, etc.) and have seen differing opinions on turnkey properties. I was wondering if anyone had suggestions or resources for some trusted turnkey agencies that you would recommend? As well as anyone who has connections in the Pensacola, Fl market. Thanks!

 Investing in Turnkeys is a great way to earn passive income from OOS. Many investors go with a True Turnkey Provider so everything is done in-house prior to closing. This way you earn from day one and et the property do the work for you. 

Post: Investing in Cleveland from California

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368
Originally posted by @Luis Torrico:

I have been following the Cleveland market for quite a while and now getting ready to invest in a B- to C class neighborhood for a Single Family home. Seems I am late to the party for anything of better quality as returns are slim to none now. I am looking for a reputable RE agent that can accompany me, preferably someone experienced with out of state investors, and who has an "inspector" mindset. My experience is very low and I will be glad to hear referrals, and if anyone has a good recommendation.

Thank You y’all

You are not late! There are still plenty of properties around here you just have to know where to look! 

Post: If you were a new investor, how would you invest 100k?

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368
Originally posted by @Vu Nguyen:

Knowing what you know today, how would you advise a new investor to invest 100k? I have done a lot of research on turnkey providers and am purchasing 2 properties already but would like to know what you have learned to be the best investment of your time and money to kick start your real estate portfolio. I know the turnkey model can work for some but the returns do seem to be low.

 Probably a few Turnkeys in the Midwest. 20% down can go a long way!