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All Forum Posts by: Trevor Finn

Trevor Finn has started 3 posts and replied 143 times.

Post: Too good to be true to have connected with a real estate agent who has a whole team?

Trevor FinnPosted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Columbia, MD
  • Posts 160
  • Votes 55

Hey @Richard Bautista,

Sounds like you’ve found a promising connection, but trust should come through verification, not blind faith. It’s totally reasonable to ask for references—just frame it as, “I’m excited to work with you! Could you connect me with a couple of investors you’ve helped?” This shows due diligence, not distrust.

For seeing the property, if it’s your first deal, consider visiting or hiring a third-party inspector for peace of mind. Trust your gut—if something feels rushed, slow down and verify. Taking time now can save you big later. You're on the right path—stay cautious and confident! Best of luck!

Post: Why Most Real Estate Investors Can’t Scale Their Investments or Their Business.

Trevor FinnPosted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Columbia, MD
  • Posts 160
  • Votes 55

Hi @Don Konipol,

You nailed it—scaling isn’t just about adding more units or deals; it’s about building a system that works without you doing all the heavy lifting. Many investors overlook the true cost of their time and expertise in managing these deals. If you're not factoring in asset management fees and investor returns when calculating ROI, then what seems like a good investment may not be scalable at all.

For anyone looking to scale, start by asking yourself: Can my process generate returns that cover passive investors, management expenses, and still leave me with a worthwhile profit? 

If not, you’re just growing workload, not wealth. Great insight here!

Post: PM changed the utilities too early and now we're stuck holding the bag

Trevor FinnPosted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Columbia, MD
  • Posts 160
  • Votes 55

Hey @Jordan Laney,

Oof, that's a tough situation. While it’s common for PMs to switch utilities to avoid service interruptions, the mistake was not monitoring the usage or cutting power to unnecessary areas once the tenant overstayed. I’d hold the PM accountable for poor oversight—they should’ve been more proactive.

That said, it’s also important to weigh the long-term relationship with your PM. If this is a one-off issue and they generally handle things well, maybe give them a chance to make it right. But if this is a pattern, it’s time to reconsider. Clear communication on expectations is key—I'd definitely push them to split that $250 cost at the very least!

Post: Cashing out IRA to buy rental properties.

Trevor FinnPosted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Columbia, MD
  • Posts 160
  • Votes 55

@Steve Englehart

Tapping into your Roth IRA or IRA for a short-term rental can be tempting, but the penalties and taxes could eat into your investment capital. Before making that move, consider other funding options like HELOCs, cash-out refis, or partnering with an investor to keep your retirement funds growing tax-free.

If you're set on using retirement funds, explore self-directed IRAs, which allow real estate investments without triggering penalties. Just be sure you fully understand the rules—self-dealing or personal use of the property can disqualify the tax benefits. It’s all about balancing risk and maximizing your capital! 

Have you considered any creative financing options?

Post: Liens on a property and determining position

Trevor FinnPosted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Columbia, MD
  • Posts 160
  • Votes 55
Quote from @David Lecko:
Quote from @Trevor Finn:

Hey @Doug Kirk,

Great question! The most reliable method to locate liens and their positions is to conduct a title search through a title company. They specialize in uncovering all encumbrances and can save you from unexpected surprises. If you’re looking for DIY options, PropStream and DealMachine can give you some lien info, but they may not always be 100% accurate or up-to-date.

For Central Ohio, check with the county recorder’s office or clerk of courts for lien and judgment records. It might take some digging, but you can often find the information you need. If you’re serious about bidding, investing in a professional title search is worth it to minimize risk. Good luck! Auctions can be a great opportunity!


 Hi, I am the owner of DealMachine. Just wanted to mention we just added more leins!

HOA Lien Data in Quick Filters

We've added new data! The following quick filters now include HOA-related insights:

  • Active liens
  • Preforeclosures
  • Upcoming auctions

Hope this helps


Hey David, nice to hear from you! Keep up the good work over there at DM and keep adding new data, it's very helpful!

Post: Multifamily data software

Trevor FinnPosted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Columbia, MD
  • Posts 160
  • Votes 55
Quote from @Shai Dahary:
Quote from @Trevor Finn:

Hi @Shai Dahary,

If Costar isn’t a fit, you might want to check out Reonomy or Crexi—both are great for multifamily data like cap rates, rent comps, and sale comps. PropStream can also be useful, especially if you’re analyzing smaller multifamily properties. 

Have you tried any of these yet?

Hey, I tried Reonomy but it’s not that good. It shows only sale comps and it’s very messy. It’s good to pull owners info though. I tried propstream too but it show accurate data only for single family and small multi up to 4 units. I will try Crexi. Thank you


 I understand, Shai! Hopefully, CREXI will have what you need!

Post: [Calc Review] Help me analyze this deal

Trevor FinnPosted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Columbia, MD
  • Posts 160
  • Votes 55

Hey @Keenan Patton,

This deal looks solid with a projected $60K profit, $435K ARV, and a $13K assignment fee in Northern California. Key points for buyers to consider: the $65K rehab budget and timeline (45-60 days) are realistic, but transparency on rehab details and potential delays will be important. The ROI is attractive at 16%, but ensure ARV aligns with recent comps given market trends.

Highlighting the strong profit potential and taking measures to address any concerns about costs, scope, or holding risks will make this an even stronger pitch.

Post: Multifamily data software

Trevor FinnPosted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Columbia, MD
  • Posts 160
  • Votes 55

Hi @Shai Dahary,

If Costar isn’t a fit, you might want to check out Reonomy or Crexi—both are great for multifamily data like cap rates, rent comps, and sale comps. PropStream can also be useful, especially if you’re analyzing smaller multifamily properties. 

Have you tried any of these yet?

Post: CT Investment Property Purchased at 21 yrs old

Trevor FinnPosted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Columbia, MD
  • Posts 160
  • Votes 55

What a great start to your investment journey @Abby Blumenfeld

Fixing up a property and turning it into student housing is a smart move—steady demand and solid rental income.

Great job!

Post: Condo Investment in NYC

Trevor FinnPosted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Columbia, MD
  • Posts 160
  • Votes 55

Hey @Kevin M.

It sounds like you’ve got a solid plan to build passive income with a focused snowball strategy! One thing to consider is whether a two-family property might provide better cash flow than a condo, especially with NYC’s high costs. Using a 1031 to upgrade to a two-family could help you reduce or eliminate the $1,000 out-of-pocket expense you’re paying now.

Also, condos often come with HOA fees that limit cash flow, so be mindful of their impact. If you're set on condos, ensure you're targeting areas with strong rental demand and minimal HOA restrictions.

Regarding an LLC, it's great for liability protection, but it won't necessarily give you tax benefits unless structured strategically. Talk to a CPA to see how it fits your plan.

Keep building, you’re on the right track!

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