All Forum Posts by: Valerie Couch

Hi Nick,

PM me, I can pass along a couple of lenders. 

The water company will bill tenants directly if they give a deposit to them (I believe it's around $300 or $400). Some companies will not rent unless the tenants are prepared to give the deposit and put the account in their name. 

Welcome to the neighborhood, @Ron Lund You have joined a great community!  

Great resources here, take advantage of the knowledge and expertise.

Feel free to reach out with any questions.

All the best,

Val

We invest in Bedford like crazy and have great returns.  Definitely would not rule it out!  

Every jurisdiction will be a little different but of course they all must follow state and federal guidelines. That said, I've appeared in several municipalities in the Cleveland, OH area.  The items that you plan to bring are perfect as well as what Paul mentioned regarding the 3-day notice. In addition, be prepared to tell them when the last time rent was paid (wouldn't hurt to have a copy of that receipt but they probably won't ask).

I can also tell you in my experience that if you are set up as an LLC, you will likely be required to appear with legal representation. You can always go and hope they don't make you but they usually will in which case they will give you an extension which will of course prolong the eviction.

Also in my experience if she tries to say that she isn't paying because of mold or any other issue, judge/magistrate isn't going to allow it.  

I'm sure you're also aware but in the meantime, don't accept any payment including partial.  Again, may be different in GA but in OH acceptance of partial payment waives landlord's right to evict.

Good luck! 

It will depend on when her license went inactive and if she has kept up on her continuing education...she may end up having to take the classes again but if she calls the board they will be able to tell her what the requirements are.

As far as joining a brokerage for investment purposes and not wanting to do the full "traditional" residential sales, I'm sure they exist.  However, she doesn't lose anything by having the capability of selling houses should the opportunity arise.  Chances are she'll be in the Assoc of Realtors anyway (she is required to do so if her broker is) so it's basically just what she decides to make of it.  I, myself do not do traditional sales on a regular basis but I'll tell you it come in handy when needed.

All the best! 

Val

Hi Bob,

How have you been?  

When it comes to showing occupied properties, you're correct...it is not an ideal situation. However, there are plenty of investors who purchase sight unseen.  I don't think you will be getting quite as much foot traffic as you may think.  But when we do need to show our occupied properties, we simply make sure to follow guidelines by giving minimum 24 hours notice to the tenants (we always try to give more of course) and being respectful and courteous to the tenants by removing shoes, not staying long, etc.  Sometimes we'll even bring a gift card or baked goods just for good measure :-)

There are certainly those occasions where tenants are difficult or argumentative, but it's not often.  We just politely remind them that this is a rental property and we are within our right to show it with adequate notice. 

Good luck!

~ Val

Just make sure your lease doesn't specify the appliance specifics (which I assume it does not).  Other than that, agree with @Brandon Battle

Good luck!

Welcome to BP - sounds like you have some big goals!  What brokerage have you chosen? 

I work with many investors from all over the US (and all over the world) who have chosen Cleveland because of the great returns and low purchase price.  There's definitely a reason...

Do your due diligence on areas, they can fluctuate tremendously.  If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

All the best - feel free to reach out with any questions! 

~ Val