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All Forum Posts by: Zeke Liston

Zeke Liston has started 2 posts and replied 1564 times.

Post: What level of home inspection to get in Columbus

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,642
  • Votes 1,522
Originally posted by @John Symanski:

Hello,

I'm about to go under contract soon on a single family in the South of Main neighborhood which I intend to hold and rent long term. I'm trying to decide which inspection to do, and the current inspector that I'm looking at offers a basic inspection, as well as add-ons that cover:

-Radon

-Sewer

-Termite

-Well water potability 

I'm wondering if any of the add-on inspection items are things that commonly pose problems for homes in Columbus? 

And what type of inspections do other investors here usually use? I.e. do you get everything inspected, or only the more basic stuff?

Thank you  in advance

 That's great John, I've got several properties in South of Main. This home will likely not have a well, so you can mark that off. I don't see many people doing a radon test either. I have a good inspector if you need one. 

Post: Where are the best neighborhoods to invest in fix and flips

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,642
  • Votes 1,522
Originally posted by @Remington Lyman:
Originally posted by @Sagi Trybel:

Hi all,

I am a flipper from Columbus and I am doing researches on Cleveland market.

I doing high end flips and cosmetic flips as well.

What are the recommended neighborhoods to invest in fix and flips in Cleveland?

North Linden, South of Main, Vassor Village, Woodland Park, MT Vernon, Milo-Grogan, Franklinton, Merrion Village, Hungarian Village, Southern Orchards, Driving Park, Olde Towne East, Franklin Park, King Lincoln, Old Oaks, Livingston Park are all but not limited to some areas in Columbus, Ohio that are great for flippers.

 These neiborhoods are in Columbus, not Cleveland. Sagi, I don't know much about the Cleveland market but I'd be happy to get you connected with someone I know up there! 

Post: Pay off student loans or buy rentals?

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,642
  • Votes 1,522
Originally posted by @Coby Federowski:

@Remington Lyman I appreciate the advice. I have been studying a lot but haven't felt confident enough to inquire from somebody. I want to be respectful of peoples time but im not sure I have a clear enough understanding of my options to justify sitting down with someone. Im not sure where to start or what information I should have before starting.

If you go about it the right way, there are a lot of people on BiggerPockets willing to help out. If you're just a tire kicker, then that's a different story but if you are sincere and serious about investing, you're not wasting people's time.  

Post: Looking for an advice !? Out of state rental property.

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,642
  • Votes 1,522
Originally posted by @Andriy Likhman:

Hi everyone after a long time of reading and learning here it's finally time to introduce myself. My name is Andriy and I'm from Brooklyn, NY.

I am looking to purchase my first rental property but I'm lost when it gets to location picking. Real estate in Big Apple is too crazy, to begin with, so I need something out of state. How to decide on the market? What to look for? Does it matter if it's a 3-hour drive or on the west cost? How is the experience of purchasing out of state when it comes to my availability there? 

I have about $50k cash to make the deal and pre-approved for $200k property with 15% down. 

Open to all advices on which location to start looking at with my budget. 

 Hi Andriy, Columbus, OH is a great market to look into. 

Post: Tenant introduction - COVID

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,642
  • Votes 1,522
Originally posted by @Cody McVay:

Hello BP!

Just closed on my first house hack in Columbus, OH! I’m curious how I should introduce myself to the two existing tenants? I know the proper way to do this would be physically going to the property and talking with the tenants, but due to COVID have leaned towards just sending a letter. Thoughts and advice?!

Thank you all in advance!!!

 Congrats on the deal Cody. I usually just send a letter but I recently purchased a duplex and I went to go meet the tenants personally. I like this option more so the tenants can put a face to the name. 

Post: First Time Investor - Out Of State - Need guidance

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,642
  • Votes 1,522
Originally posted by @Murali Jesudoss:

Hello BPers,

Newbie here ;-) Lot of info and research to be done here.. I have been studying lot of articles and forums to choose my first rental investment.. Not to mention watching all the success stories and podcast videos.. Thanks for the great community and people in here..

I know there are lot of topics on this already and gone through ton of them.. But wanted to reach out for specific guidance for my situation..

I am in Reno, NV a great rental area for sure, but the market is way too pricey to get even the .5% not even close for 1-2% rule.. I explored house hacks, but the units won't yield rent as expected, due to the prices are in millions for MFH and the Duplexes are easily 500-700k..

Only option I am seriously considering is a condo for about $120k(1B 1B) or so which can rent up to $1k. With HOA being close to $200, the net would be close to $100-$150 considering some % for vacancy and repairs. I don't see an option for SFH or BRRRR here..

Having said that, I am still trying to do an OOS investment in OH/AL and doing lot of research as the prices are reasonable and reasonably less risk.

Goals: Long term hold, Rental income as alternate for long term, Why keep money sitting in the bank yielding nothing.

Have a decent paying IT job with ready to put down down payment for 3-4 properties. Own a SFH in Reno (have $100k equity for HELOC, if required). Willing to take risks, but I not easy to give up.

Considering OOS, looking for good low priced turn key properties that can yield above 1% rule cash-flow.

I am looking for some kind of recommendations on the areas as Youngstown sounds really interesting, but some people mention that the areas are really bad. The crime report online shows red zone for whole Youngstown and not sure if there are good neighborhoods that can be considered.

When I looked at Columbus, not of good options for Turn-key (either way too priced or not good). Looked at Cleveland but need some more research as there are lot of red zone too.

I don't see much opportunities in AL Bur/Huntsville/Madison does not look like 1% but might be rookie mistake.

What do you guys recommend for my situation? Youngstown/Dayton/Toledo/Cleveland? Or AL (prop tax seems less which might benefit in long run)?

Most importantly, willing to consider the BRRRR, if I get some good referrals for realtor and can connect with people and explore more.

:-)

Hi Murali, I would agree with the above comments that Columbus, OH would be a good OOS market to look into. The population and economic growth is through the roof - which is appreciating the whole city. There are still plenty of deals to be made in Columbus but I would agree you'll have a much easier time finding something in Cleveland or Youngstown. 

Post: What do I need before I start being a property manager?

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,642
  • Votes 1,522
Originally posted by @Preston Donahue:

Hey guys, this is my first BP post. I'm a Realtor in Ohio and I want to expand to property management. What do I need before I start and how do I start? Thanks!

 I would start making connections with other property managers and learn from them!  

Post: Re-try on new member post

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,642
  • Votes 1,522
Originally posted by @Hoseong Lee:
Hi all,

This is my second try to post a new member introduction. For some reasons, my first post got removed for advertisement though I claim I didn't. I assume I wrote some numbers to share my goals, and guess that triggered some alarms.

I am an international who came to US for graduate study in Ohio. And now I live and work in San Jose CA. I am currently interested in buying rental properties in Midwest (Ohio or Indiana), and started reading books and watching Youtube videos.

I am happy to connect with you if you are interested in long distance rental property investment. Thanks!

 Columbus, OH is a great market to invest in. What school did you go to? 

Post: Any areas out there for single families close to 1 percent rule?

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,642
  • Votes 1,522
Originally posted by @Benjamin Kanevsky:

Looking to find an area to purchase some single family rentals. Not looking in areas with declining population, high property taxes or schools rated below 5. Is it still possible in 2020? I’ve literally been looking nationwide without a market in site.

 Columbus, OH. As mentioned above, Columbus schools aren't the best but the economic growth is booming. 

Post: Reduce city taxes on a property

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,642
  • Votes 1,522
https://www.franklincountyaudi...Originally posted by @Sharon Raziel:

I own a property that has high taxes, around twice higher than other properties in the neighbourhood. I am looking for advice on the best way to contact the city and request to reduce the taxes on this property. 

Should I do it independently? if so how?

Do you recommend paying someone to file it for me?

All tips are highly appreciated :)

Thank you!

 You can try to challenge the city assessment. You can get instructions on how to do so here