All Forum Posts by: Travis Sun

Thanks for your input Kenny,

A statistician is definitely a good addition to any team. An economist might prove to be more beneficial as economics is a combination of statistics, calculus, and psychology.

In addition to crunching out numbers for clients, I can also provide insights on their meaning, and recommend the best course of action (with respect how the economy will change, and how your portfolio will be affected).

I was thinking more along the lines of calculating expected house values 1,3,5 years from now, the growth rate of cities, which cities are good for investment, are you properties' cities facing imminent economic downturns, etc.

For example, region A may seem more attractive than region B in 2013. In 2015, the value forecast of region A may decrease by 30%.

I was also thinking of providing portfolio management. This service would quantify the risks in your portfolio, and help you construct a portfolio that would suit your current situation. For example, a 30 year old can hold more risk in their portfolio than a 50 year old. Older investors typically eliminate more risk from their portfolio to plan for retirement.

I'm an economist by training, and have extensive experience in doing economic analysis of real estate and cities. I plan on purchasing my first investment property very soon, but I'm also considering starting an economic/financial analysis business for fellow real estate investors.

Do you think investors would consider purchasing such services?

I just spoke to a contractor (he offers waterproofing services for foundations - so I question his expertise).

He said that because the foundation is block, the blocks will shift at different speeds - thus generating the cracks.

What do you guys think?

That's actually what I meant. Do you know what the ballpark price for fixing the plumbing? There are 6 units, and this is the only unit with the ceiling leakage in the bathroom

Thank you for your replies.

Unfortunately I don't know the source yet. This is the second floor. There is another floor above this bathroom. The tenant think it leaks when the tenant above him uses their bathroom. So it might be one of the pipes?

If it's something more serious, what might the costs be?

The foundation is block and it is cracked like the following image (not filled):
http://www.pioneerwaterproofing.ca/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/crack.jpg

The exterior walls also has 2 sets of filled step cracks like the following image:
http://home1.com.au/v/Victorian-House-Inspections-4308/photos/wall_cracks.jpg

Both the foundation and step cracks are on the right side of the house.

How serious do you think these cracks are? And what is the cost range for fixing it?

Thanks in advance

http://s17.postimg.org/lk7tmuypr/IMG_20130630_101802.jpg
http://s17.postimg.org/d76q5xovz/IMG_20130630_101811_1.jpg

Does anyone know the cost involved for fixing this? (I'll be hiring a contractor)

I've been looking at some 3 and 6 plexes and they have extremely high utilities costs. For example, the 6 plex has a utilites cost of 8800/year and the 3 plex has an utilities cost of $4400. The 6 plex is an apartment building, and the 3 plex is like a house. This feels rather higher - I originally though more rooms would equal higher efficiency.

What would be a good cap rate and roi on my investments?