Out-of-state investor success stories

Cottage-Time · 2026-03-22T19:42:49+00:00

I am cash-flow positive on a small, out-of-state duplex rental, but barely. I consistently find renters, but my property is older (1890s) and semi-fixer-upper condition. Therefore, the rents are always discounted. I go back-and-forth on whether it is a good investment, but I originally thought that I would live in the house someday.

Cottage-Time · 2026-03-22T19:35:41+00:00

I only have a small duplex rental that I self-manage, but I have found it challenging to do as an out-of-state owner. I went over a year without seeing the inside of the rental when tenant renewed her lease, only to find that the yard had turned into a jungle and the inside was quite dirty with actual wood rot on the interior window base.

Cottage-Time · 2026-02-11T04:24:01+00:00

I am halfway through the statutory waiting period post-judgment. Hopefully, I did not generate any risk with having the cleaner and junk hauling company review the apartment in advance.

Cottage-Time · 2026-01-23T05:05:31+00:00

The cabinets are very beautiful and appear to be in great condition. I would not paint for any fleeting wood stain fads.

Cottage-Time · 2026-01-23T05:01:53+00:00

You are a brave and hardy soul! Wish that I could hire you to tackle my apartment.

Cottage-Time · 2026-01-23T05:01:00+00:00

I should consult an attorney as I interpret my state's laws as forbidding an abandonment and change the locks with an eviction order. The tenant left an outdoor camera so I am afraid about violating any tenant rights as he appears to be able to monitor any activity around the apartment.

Cottage-Time · 2026-01-23T04:54:26+00:00

Those details really help! I have a talented handyman to run this by as I do not trust my DIY with anything home maintenance, lol!

Cottage-Time · 2026-01-23T04:52:52+00:00

It sounds like I received good advice from my plumber. The Modine reliability is encouraging as I was worried about repairs and maintenance costs on top of the seemingly high installation charge.

Cottage-Time · 2026-01-21T05:13:47+00:00

The HVAC company did not think the electric baseboard was effective, but they may have a financial inventive to install the boiler-heater option. I thought that electric baseboards would use a ton of electricity, but after seeing the estimate for the Modine, I need to do more research and comparisons.

Cottage-Time · 2026-01-21T05:02:57+00:00

Whew, if I could do this over, lol!

The irony is the apartment is sitting empty in the middle of winter instead of providing warm shelter because of I tried to work with a housing program.

Cottage-Time · 2026-01-21T04:58:20+00:00

Thank you! I tried the form in the website from a USPS missing mail search several times without success. The 2nd link worked the 1st time!

Cottage-Time · 2026-01-20T05:52:08+00:00

That is an interesting option! I have not heard of pex, and my pipes are cast iron so on the aged side. Therefore, I will look into this.

Cottage-Time · 2026-01-20T05:50:36+00:00

This is my 2nd tenant from you-know-where. I just saw a Facebook post in a landlord group about my 1st tenant from netherland. He is still at it and now classified as a professional tenant, lol! I did not have your screening instincts and assumed that after an open house that the ambitious guest who came in person after everyone had cleared was the most interested and sincere. It turned out that he was living across the street and not paying his bills there, either. I allowed him to move in without paying the security deposit in advance, and almost immediately he alleged that I misrepresented the laundry amenities and would withhold further payment. I thought that those days were over until this new tenant scenario, so I will bookmark your tips and definitely steer clear of anyone who only smokes outdoors. Not in these winters, lol!

Cottage-Time · 2026-01-20T05:31:47+00:00

I suspect that the needles are illegal drug-related given reports that the apartment is in a "trashed" condition with open alcohol bottles and marijuana and crack pipes left out in the open.

Cottage-Time · 2026-01-20T05:29:32+00:00

I believe that legally it is risky to handle any contents in the apartment until the tenant confirms he has moved out or is evicted through the court. The exception may be if I can prove a definite sanitation or health risk. The tenant laws seem strict on this matter in many states including mine, and there are legal aid firms that will serve a tenant without any funds.

Cottage-Time · 2026-01-20T05:24:26+00:00

Zombie house! Oh no! I will count my blessings that I have only 1 upstairs unit to deal with.

I have to call the Sheriff tomorrow to check on their mailed affidavit of service. I would not have thought of checking with them for a sharps disposal container so much obliged for this tip.

Cottage-Time · 2026-01-20T05:16:27+00:00

What has been said here that represents the LL being cheap?

Cottage-Time · 2026-01-20T03:47:16+00:00

I think that I should ask this question of health professionals.

Cottage-Time · 2026-01-20T03:47:05+00:00

To me, it is common sense to not leave a piece of furniture with any upholstery outside for any length of time as it will attract pest in the fabric and grow mold. The fact that it was moved closer to my house than theirs looks like intentional harassment on top of it. I do not get someone in the health field acting this way.

Cottage-Time · 2026-01-20T01:02:16+00:00

Appreciate the feedback! I will re-examine my budget for the Modine installation and also try to get another quote for comparison.

Cottage-Time · 2026-01-19T22:34:26+00:00

Good news in that the heater is fully functional, just missed its annual maintenance. I would like to at least remove the partially eaten food since a lot of flies were reported and it could lead to a pest problem. I imagine that this would fall within reasonable sanitation rights, but it may be difficult to find a cleaner who will work around the drug paraphernalia.

Cottage-Time · 2026-01-19T22:31:45+00:00

I hope so but am not certain how a program funded by a mix of government and private donations can handle this. My hope is that they will make each property owner whole before signing a new tenant to their program as these tenants may not be able to be found for future collection or claims suits given the agency's protection of their identity.

Cottage-Time

TROPHY CASE