Investment Property for Financial Independence

sunset-494544_1920-PDWhen I first became a landlord, it was somewhat by accident.  I didn’t even know I needed financial independence.  I wasn’t sure what to do, and how to do it.  I had a solid six-figure income job, and was able to weather out any storms.  I left one place vacant for 18+ months, because I didn’t have the time to work on it.  I took in some bad tenants, and suffered some aggravation.  Luckily, I had the income and backup capital to weather any storms. Continue reading “Investment Property for Financial Independence”

My Tenth Investment Property and Fourth Four-Plex

Investment PropertyAll of the investment property I was purchasing in the recent years was in the same apartment complex.  They cash flowed great, but there was quite a bit of deferred maintenance in them when they were purchased.    There were pros and cons to owning in the same complex.  One downside is the properties were all in the same place.  What happens to the neighborhood, happens to your investment. Continue reading “My Tenth Investment Property and Fourth Four-Plex”

Rent Collection: It’s April 2; do you know where your rents are?

packs-163497_1280-PDI have to collect rent from 25 tenants every month.  Most drop the check in the rent box in the building.  In my duplexes, they tape it to the door.  I have one that pays cash, and I stop by to give a receipt.  Some do Bill Pay, and I get a check in the mail.  One mails a check directly, with a stamp.  One pays with PayPal.  Some tenants are roommates, and they each pay with a check.  Continue reading “Rent Collection: It’s April 2; do you know where your rents are?”

Why Avoid Tenants with Credit Scores Below 600?

1-12121495914tsn-PDThe fact is, about 85% of America has a credit score above 600.  At 600, you start to get below a 50% default rate on mortgages, and an even higher default on rents.  Remember, you are not looking for an average renter for your quality unit; you want a quality renter for your quality unit. Continue reading “Why Avoid Tenants with Credit Scores Below 600?”

Evictions and Terminating Tenancies (in Minnesota)

hand-65688_1280-PDIf you have a tenant that you want to get rid of, there are many ways to go about it.  In Minnesota, here are the main ways and reasons to evict.  Minnesota is the host cost eviction in the Nation, so make sure you are prepared.  In 2013 the costs were as follows: $320 court costs, $100 to serve the summons, $55 for the writ.  $125 to serve the writ.  Plus vacancy, repairs, lost rent, and aggravation. Continue reading “Evictions and Terminating Tenancies (in Minnesota)”

A Week in the Life of a Landlord – 2014-03-16

painting-24439_1280-PDA Week in the Life…

What is it really like to follow me in my footsteps?  Keep in mind, every day began with my real job, from ~8-~5.  This is somewhat is a typical week, maybe even a bit slower than most.  Follow me in a week in the life of a landlord. Continue reading “A Week in the Life of a Landlord – 2014-03-16”

My Sixth Investment Property and First Sheriffs Sale Purchase

SheriffIn Minnesota, we have a fairly involved foreclosure process.  After a sheriff’s sale, the owners has 180 days to redeem the property, and prevent the property from returning to the lien-holder.  This was my first sheriffs sale purchase, and my sixth investment property purchase.

Continue reading “My Sixth Investment Property and First Sheriffs Sale Purchase”