All Forum Posts by: Trace P.

In all markets in fact, this applies. 

I currently invest in OH but am interested in looking into Buffalo too. Been seeing awesome numbers especially for duplexes. However I did note that houses are mostly really old, e.g. 100 years or older... any idea if this poses challenges in things like lead paint presence, outdated wiring, rusty plumbing, etc., or have many of the homes already been updated?  

Hi! My partner and I are foreigners, living in Singapore, but we've acquired 11 rental properties in the US. We opened a US LLC to own our properties. Lending wise, there are several lenders who do lend to foreigners based on DSCR loans. Feel free to DM if you would like to link up!

Hi all! I am from Singapore and together with my partner we have acquired 11 rentals in the US remotely. I have lenders for foreigners too, feel free to DM me to link up! :) 

Quote from @Scott Mac:

If it were mine, I'd consider handling that degraded porch edge. plus adding a handrail or two.

If it were mine, and I had to do this, I'd cost out concrete to the foundation with caulk in the joints, because if you zero the concrete to the foundation and it moves--ouch, and if you don't caulk its endless ants and weeds in there. It also gives the pest control a hard surface at the foundation especially important with all those garbage cans (roaches) right up alongside the house.

Here a mockup for you, one with grey foundation and cleaned rocks, and the other white and rocks uncleaned.

That's slip resistant broom finished concrete with smooth edges.

Good Luck!

 WOW!! You did that illustration so beautifully that I thought it was another house! Thank you so much, that actually is a good idea!!! Will definitely explore that!!

Thank you @Mike Hasson!! Yeah there are no trees around the property, so I doubt there are tree roots. But good point to consider! 

Thank you for the feedback @Matthew Paul and @Patricia Steiner. Yes I actually am factoring $5K to do regrading into my capital investment on this. 

Wow @Mike Hasson, thanks for all that insight, looks like you had a much more severe issue! I wouldn't even dare to buy a house with 2" of water in the basement, so bravo on you for rectifying that! I think the first thing I will address is the grading, as you have mentioned, to stop the cause. Good thing is this basement has no signs of active leaks, no water as assessed by the inspector. The downspouts are good for this house, so the only reason I can think of that causes water to push against the basement is grading. Noted on all your pointers, thank you again so much!!!

Thanks @Marcus Auerbach for your great insights too! Downspouts are good and there is no active leak observed, so I'll address the grading. LOL about "A professional basement contractor does not ask you to talk to a structural engineer; they have one in house.". You are right, I called another company and they had one in-house, even offering a 90-minute walkthrough + quotation for free. Thanks again!

Thank you, @Dan Guenther and @Bruce Woodruff for your advice! I hope I don't get any surprises. Yes I plan to get a landscaping contractor to look at it, however I can only do so after owning the house, so was hoping to get some opinions before closing. 

Hi everyone,

I am closing on this property next week, I noted the inspection report stated that it needs grading, please see screenshot below. Has anyone done grading and if so, does this look like a difficult job? I noted that there are pavements there, looks like I may need to remove the pavements before grading? Any advice is appreciated, thank you!

Thank you @Bruce Woodruff, that's rather comforting, I agree that a SE would be a good idea either way :) 

Thank you @Scott Mac for the great questions. There are no signs of active leaks based on the home inspector's professional assessment. He could see signs of leaks in the past but no longer active. As the home is 80 years old and has passed through a few owners, I am unsure how often they painted it, but good point to note. This house will be purchased in cash so no lender involved. The rest of the house is in pretty good condition, the insurance company actually hasn't raised any concern. Thanks again!