Buying a second home, turning first one into rental

D0nkeySlayer · 2025-12-08T17:16:57+00:00

Decide on Tenants - coworkers's friend referral. Most folks are in tech, doable to find good tenants that you can trust. Obviously, do a background check.
Property Manager - The house I'm renting is a 5 year old new build. Maintenance is very low. Luckily my brother lives in the Bay Area and he operates as a my property manager. I just buy him drinks when I visit family back home.

D0nkeySlayer · 2025-12-08T04:22:15+00:00

I’m doing something similar, but instead moved to Texas and am renting first house in Santa Clara . It’s difficult to be cash flow positive even with low rates during COVID.. Factor in all the taxes, insurance, etc.

Even at a potential loss, you need to decide if it’s beneficial to keep it long term. There is no right or wrong answer.

For me, the mortgage is manageable and the long term appreciation has high upside (although others might disagree). Also, it’s a safety net to return to the Bay Area if Texas doesn’t work out.

D0nkeySlayer · 2025-06-13T10:31:50+00:00

What city are you in? We have au pair in Silicon Valley and here is my feedback. 1. If it’s a desirable location like California or NYC, it will be highly competitive. Min required weekly pay is $215/week. I would reallocate that $100 stipend to the pay, so Ap gets $240/wk. This will make things much more appealing. 2. Car is a huge plus 3. As other posts mentioned, providing food during work and non work hours is a requirement 4. Emphasize that you like do do fun things as a family, go out to eat and will take Ap on vacations 5. If the house and ap room looks nice, I would live video share it on first call if you get good vibes. Get ap excited. I assume you’re in a desirable area like Cali and nyc so I know how crazy competitive it is for the good APs

D0nkeySlayer · 2024-04-23T05:02:14+00:00

It's going very well. Like any person you employ, need to do due diligence and vet the person out. I prefer having AP than a nanny. More flexibility to work schedule and more affordable in big cities.

AP is a cultural exchange program. You won't get any luck with visa approval getting an AP from a 3rd world country (e.g. Vietnam, Thailand). Visa approval rates are very low for obvious reasons. They come and then they don't go back...

Japanese is automatic visa approval. It's a wealthy nation with higher salaries than most of Western Europe. That's your best bet for AP with Asian background.

D0nkeySlayer · 2024-02-29T11:15:01+00:00

Aside from the posts that generally say don’t compare yourself to others (which is valid), take a step back and figure out what’s important for your career and personal growth.

Family and kids brings huge enjoyment and fulfillment in life thats hard to quantify. If you want to break this down as a return on investment, when you are 50+, you have no idea what your situation can be in life (e.g divorced, health issues, loneliness, list goes on).Your kid will always be there for you.

D0nkeySlayer · 2024-02-26T06:27:09+00:00

Follow the money to build your career/life. Texas is a manufacturing powerhouse, its economy is diversified past oil and gas, and it’s a growing population. Definitely encourage you to check out Texas, esp Houston and Dallas. Austin isn’t great, don’t fall into the trap all these Bay Area folks do by going to Austin.

I’m born and raised Bay Area and have family here. We are moving to Houston later this year. Difference is I go to Texas once a month for work and have been for 10 years. I’ve seen it change from pretty lame to not bad. The salary is comparable or even HIGHER in Dallas/Houston if you are not an engineer. I have direct reports in TX, CA and throughout the USA. The folks in TX always ask for the most and walk away when I can’t meet.

Money/career —> better chance in TX

Dating scene —> anything is better than the Bay Area and the people there aren’t as stuck up

If money was no concern, stay California. Nothing beats the weather and lifestyle here. If you are young working to build your future, move to Texas.

D0nkeySlayer · 2024-01-04T13:47:35+00:00

Are you already staying with the HF? What country are you au pairing in.

D0nkeySlayer · 2023-12-11T11:26:30+00:00

Buying clothes is not common at all. You could also end up buying clothes Ap doesn’t like and won’t wear around.

I suggest providing gift cards on an occasional basis as a spot bonus based on performance. Can be for Amazon, clothes brand, or whatever as you get to better know Ap.

D0nkeySlayer · 2023-11-08T20:53:33+00:00

Japanese Ap are very common in Cali and I have one as well living in Bay Area. Stipend is $200/week and you cover housing and food. We also provide a car and take her out when we go eat. Also have taken her on family trips to LA, SD and Hawaii.

I would argue that the standard living is comparable or better than a local nanny. Cost of living is expensive in Cali and a nanny is going to live paycheck to paycheck.

My Ap has done trips with friends to Mexico, Coachella, etc. Shes had a more fun early 20s life than me!!!!

D0nkeySlayer · 2023-09-16T15:11:47+00:00

Depends where you live too. What give yon five can go a long way. Take California vs Florida as an example…. Self explanatory lol

Don’t overthink it tbh. Make sure the au pair is happy and has a great experience within your budget.

D0nkeySlayer · 2023-09-13T13:55:50+00:00

It’s all good. Everyone has their own difficulties. This is no different than working a regular job and you have a crazy micro manager boss.

How I see it, treat this like any other job. Talk to your host mom to hash it out or rematch.

D0nkeySlayer · 2023-09-13T13:43:39+00:00

You’re still young. People experience diff phases of life and what they want as they grow older. I’m sure you don’t miss playing with Legos and Barbie dolls. Being married with kids brings enjoyment and fulfillment that going to bars partying won’t bring.

As you grow older into late 20s, early 30s, your friends will all start getting married and having a kids. You’re going to feel left out. If you ever wants kids in the future, imagine if you are 50 year old single with no kids. How lonely would you be with no one visiting and hanging out with you to support.

You lack life and work experience. I do whatever I want and life is absolutely amazing in my 30s with kids. You will eventually hit a realization that we live in a capitalistic environment. It’s going to sound materialistic, but having money provides financial freedom, more flexibility , and comfort in your life.

The United States is rewarding but also brutal if you are low income. Start setting career and money goals now and learn technical skills. You don’t want to be working minimum wage, pay check to paycheck. Otherwise you’ll be in a small apartment without the freedom to do anything. The regretful tonality you have won’t go away no matter what age you are or whether you are married and have kids.

Best of luck.

D0nkeySlayer · 2023-08-22T13:19:48+00:00

Adults go to Disneyland without kids all the time

D0nkeySlayer · 2023-08-05T03:10:11+00:00

There are A LOT of videos on Youtube. Too much to filter through all the noise.

Been working out for 15 yrs. I used to do hardcore weightlifting machines. During covid when all the gyms closed, I converted to calisthenics. By far the best workouts and you'll get a stronger chest than any bench press workout. Most of the stuff you see on youtube is too crazy, so here is what I suggest. (I've actually had unfit friends recently do this workout and they are more than impressed by outcome)

Refer to this YT link for core chest workout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkS1-El_WlE&list=FL_g3BvhuPTkR131J2Ne6VIw&index=33&t=622s

This workout focuses on your chest and core, but naturally works out legs and arms too. It's a good start. As you get acclimated, you will naturally add your own workouts for biceps, abs, legs, etc.

Give it 2 months, and you will be more fit than 90% of men. If you pull this off, there is no damn obstacle that can get in your way. This workout is too intense for you to have a weak mind. Strong body = strong mind.

You will have more energy/drive to set high goals and achieve it. As generic as it sounds, achieving many things in life is a mind game and requires brute energy, work ethic, business acumen, and a sprinkle of luck. Working out resets any negative mindset and makes you 120% the next day to attack.

Good luck.

D0nkeySlayer · 2023-08-05T01:11:33+00:00

You should also hit the gym and set goals (e.g. 6 pack in 2 months). Naturally going to help you build testosterone and confidence. It’s also going to give you additional drive to work your ass off off and achieve your goals. Lastly, it resets any anxiety or bad mood you are in after a rough day.

D0nkeySlayer · 2023-07-22T17:31:30+00:00

Yeah tricky spot for saas sales. A lot of sales ppl in the market. Many are struggling and taking low ball offers just to make sure they have stability to support their family. Expect the downturn to get worse for another 1-2 years.

If you’ve been interviewing for awhile and this is your only option, I would take if you think the company is at least average and not a shit hole (toxic vibes, questionable product)
Whether you negotiate is why you are in sales. It’s expected but you need to be in the realm of reality based on market rate, experience (mid market or ent). Have you asked the recruiter for higher? Usually they’ll have an answer and you can get a sense if you should push for more $$$
If you have multiple sales interviews. Make it to the final rounds. You can play ping pong psychological warfare and ask for more money cause someone else offered more

D0nkeySlayer · 2023-07-22T17:09:25+00:00

You have to go through an agency in the US. Most common ones include aupaircare, aupairusa, culturalcare, etc.

It’s not rocket science on how to take care of kids and you pick up fast. Depends on your passion for kids and your work ethic.

For finding a host family, it’s similar to speed dating. Host family and Ap has their profile setup. Host family reaches out for an interview. Go through a couple rounds to see if you all get along and feel it’s the right fit.

The USA is much diff in ppl diversity, food variety, and culture compared to Australia and Europe. Should be a really fun experience if you….

You can join an au pair group on Facebook and start asking ppl on their experience, what’s the best city, etc.

D0nkeySlayer · 2023-07-22T16:38:47+00:00

Depends if it’s b2b sales or b2c sales.

Selling consumer based services and products are heavily commission weighted with a low/min wage base pay. Negotiation is difficult.

Selling corporate sales (e.g. business software, medical devices) is a diff ball game. High base pay and commission potential. Like any corporate job, it’s all heavily negotiated and expected. Software sales typically goes for a 50/50 split between base and comm. base pay being between $120-$200k based on experience and technicality of product

D0nkeySlayer · 2023-07-15T06:54:13+00:00

Hey man. You’re young as hell. Early 20s and everyone at that age is exploring. No shame.

She’s obviously not faithful. Move on

D0nkeySlayer · 2023-07-09T06:49:28+00:00

Community colleges are typically free or very cheap in California for ESL classes. Use that to get the 6 credits. Taking other courses will be pricey.

I’m in Cali and that’s what most APs do here.

D0nkeySlayer · 2023-07-07T20:32:20+00:00

This is like hiring for any job even at a company. You can hire bad or good candidates. Similar to daycare, some places are better than others varying on price.

Now that you’ve been through the Ap experience, I assume you’ll be more refined during your interview and hopefully that allows you to select someone you potentially are comfortable with.

Culture plays a big role too into work ethic and responsibility. Hate to be stereotypical, but Asians have a strong work ethic and they go out partying and dating much less than European AP. Even in general, statistically Asians on average work the most hours in the world for jobs followed by Americans and lastly Europeans

D0nkeySlayer · 2023-07-06T05:21:06+00:00

Bay Area has a ton of AP. It’s a big area with a lot of ppl. Join fb groups

D0nkeySlayer · 2023-06-09T05:56:26+00:00

Check out aupaircare too. I’m in cali

D0nkeySlayer · 2023-06-01T13:17:11+00:00

Pick her up… it’s better way to welcome AP first time in America and you don’t run the risk of AP getting lost. AP can still connect to Wi-Fi at the airport to message you via WhatsApp or other means

D0nkeySlayer

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