I have completed a number of rehabs over the years and got into some pretty deep fecal matter both figuratively and literally. However, now I am looking at a property that is beyond my scope of experience and I need some of advice.
I am looking at a multi unit property that could be a nice cash cow. The total carrying costs all in would be just under 1k per month. The property should conservatively bring in 2k in rent. I feel pretty safe calculating at $2500 and honestly, 3k per month is not outside the realm of possibility. I know for some these numbers may seem a little fanciful, but I assure you they are not. I have many years landlording, this side of the business I have no doubt on. Fun fact, at 3k per month rent, my down payment comes back to me in 1 year.
So how does one find a property that could double or triple the monthly expense in profit each month? Water! This property is vacant and winterized, but there is so much moisture in the basement, the water is actively condensing and dripping off the fluorescent light tubes. Not a single drip or two per tube, I am talking a drip forming about every inch along the 4 foot tube, on every one of the approx, 24 tubes in the basement. Serious moisture issues.
I have developed a pretty keen sense of smell for mold, and I have not noticed any, but obviously this is not a full proof test method. However, what is growing in the basement is what appears to be lichen on the floor joists.
So this is the problem that the likes of which I have never solved. There is a part of my brain shouting, "Run Forest Run!" There is an even larger part of my brain that loved the movie Mafia (1998) that is shouting, "Run Florist Run!"
However, the potential profit on this keeps bringing me back. It would also allow me to launch my other business in a B&M setting. This would drop the rent to $2500 initially while that business launched, but once it was up and running, that business could pay me rent as well, and it would greatly benefit from the street level presence.
So what do I do?
The fear holding me back has less to do with stopping the influx of water, I believe I can do that. It is more about the what ifs of mold and how to deal with it if it comes. My greatest fear is I get a mold infestation to the level that renders the property worthless or less than worthless- condemned.
My initial thoughts were to run 4 dehumidifiers in the basement 24/ hours day for a week or 2 to dry things out. The run 4 vaporizers filled with bleach for a week or 2 to kill anything that might have spawned down there, then dry it out again. But would this be enough?
Any guidance is appreciated, even if it is just, "Danger Will Robinson, Danger!"
I am looking at a multi unit property that could be a nice cash cow. The total carrying costs all in would be just under 1k per month. The property should conservatively bring in 2k in rent. I feel pretty safe calculating at $2500 and honestly, 3k per month is not outside the realm of possibility. I know for some these numbers may seem a little fanciful, but I assure you they are not. I have many years landlording, this side of the business I have no doubt on. Fun fact, at 3k per month rent, my down payment comes back to me in 1 year.
So how does one find a property that could double or triple the monthly expense in profit each month? Water! This property is vacant and winterized, but there is so much moisture in the basement, the water is actively condensing and dripping off the fluorescent light tubes. Not a single drip or two per tube, I am talking a drip forming about every inch along the 4 foot tube, on every one of the approx, 24 tubes in the basement. Serious moisture issues.
I have developed a pretty keen sense of smell for mold, and I have not noticed any, but obviously this is not a full proof test method. However, what is growing in the basement is what appears to be lichen on the floor joists.
So this is the problem that the likes of which I have never solved. There is a part of my brain shouting, "Run Forest Run!" There is an even larger part of my brain that loved the movie Mafia (1998) that is shouting, "Run Florist Run!"
However, the potential profit on this keeps bringing me back. It would also allow me to launch my other business in a B&M setting. This would drop the rent to $2500 initially while that business launched, but once it was up and running, that business could pay me rent as well, and it would greatly benefit from the street level presence.
So what do I do?
The fear holding me back has less to do with stopping the influx of water, I believe I can do that. It is more about the what ifs of mold and how to deal with it if it comes. My greatest fear is I get a mold infestation to the level that renders the property worthless or less than worthless- condemned.
My initial thoughts were to run 4 dehumidifiers in the basement 24/ hours day for a week or 2 to dry things out. The run 4 vaporizers filled with bleach for a week or 2 to kill anything that might have spawned down there, then dry it out again. But would this be enough?
Any guidance is appreciated, even if it is just, "Danger Will Robinson, Danger!"
Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member:
Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)
Membership Required: Upgrade to Expose Nearly 1,000,000 Posts
Ready to Unleash the Millionaire Entrepreneur in You?
Become a member of the Fastlane Forum, the private community founded by best-selling author and multi-millionaire entrepreneur MJ DeMarco. Since 2007, MJ DeMarco has poured his heart and soul into the Fastlane Forum, helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time, win their financial freedom, and live their best life.
With more than 39,000 posts packed with insights, strategies, and advice, you’re not just a member—you’re stepping into MJ’s inner-circle, a place where you’ll never be left alone.
Become a member and gain immediate access to...
- Active Community: Ever join a community only to find it DEAD? Not at Fastlane! As you can see from our home page, life-changing content is posted dozens of times daily.
- Exclusive Insights: Direct access to MJ DeMarco’s daily contributions and wisdom.
- Powerful Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of successful entrepreneurs who can offer mentorship, collaboration, and opportunities.
- Proven Strategies: Learn from the best in the business, with actionable advice and strategies that can accelerate your success.
"You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with the most..."
Who are you surrounding yourself with? Surround yourself with millionaire success. Join Fastlane today!
Join Today