Should Landlords create an LLC for Their Properties?

The big question – should I create an LLC (Limited Liability Company) for my rental investments? An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a business that combines various components of a sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation. It is typically a less complicated business entity than a corporation. It is also relatively inexpensive to create and provides … Read More

Say YES to Rental Properties in Las Vegas

What does Las Vegas have to offer the rental property investor? PLENTY.  The largest city in Nevada offers a beautiful, year-round desert climate that boasts more than 310 days of sunshine each year. A variety of additional perks include no state income tax, a low incidence of natural disasters, and a range of communities to please various lifestyles.   According to Yahoo Finance, Las Vegas ranked as … Read More

Which Locations Make the Best Rental Investments?

Congratulations! You have decided to invest in a rental property. So, where do you go from there? How do you know which location is best? Let’s talk.  There isn’t a magic formula. Neither is the answer the same for every investor. On the other hand, there are key issues to consider. Here are six essentials.  Does the neighborhood primarily consist … Read More

Investing in Out-of-State Rental Properties: Yay or Nay?

Did you know that owning out-of-state rental property is gaining in popularity among savvy investors? While it‘s more convenient to own real estate close to where you reside, investing in property located in various hotspots can increase investment profitability.   Tom Schneider shares four key reasons for purchasing an out-of-state rental property.   To invest in geographic areas where population and job growth are robust.  To diversify a rental property portfolio with markets that best … Read More

Preparing Your Investment Property for Rent – Inside and Out

Inside  Pack your “inspection kit.” Include a small tub of spackling, putty knife, marker and labels, small, lightweight electrical item, notepad, and pen.  Go through and clean the rental – this is a fast clean to make repairs and maintenance easier. We’ll discuss a final professional cleaning later.  Complete a thorough examination –starting at the front door and … Read More

In the Southwest, Summer is Spelled HOT! Prepare Now

Summer is coming soon, and the heat is rising in the Southwest. Preparing now will save you much landlord stress later. Of course, high on the list is ensuring your AC is ready to beat the heat waves. Have your ductwork professionally cleaned. It not only improves airflow, which cuts down on utility costs, but … Read More

Book Review: Building Wealth One House at a Time by John W. Schaub

One of the essential principles to successful real estate investment is learning about it before jumping on board. You don’t dive into a pool without knowing the water depth. Neither should you dive into the rental property market without seeking expert advice.  There are, of course, multiple sources, but one that we highly recommend is the book Building Wealth One House at … Read More

Engaging and Retaining Great Tenants

When someone owns a business, they typically say their customers are their boss, and 5-star customer service is the key to company growth. The same principle applies when you are a landlord. The best way to engage and then retain great tenants, thereby keeping your investment producing cash flow, is to deliver top-notch customer service to your tenants. In … Read More

Building a Rental Property Portfolio

Building a portfolio of rental properties is a step toward financial security. However, it is not as simple as just buying one property, and then another, and another . . .  A well-developed portfolio begins with a specific financial goal and an organized plan to achieve it. For example, Zach has three children. The oldest one … Read More

Pay Off Mortgage vs Investing in a Rental Property

The issue at hand– You have a chunk of money (perhaps you received an inheritance, an annuity matured, you sold an asset, etc.), or you have a monthly increase (a raise, a debt paid, a rental property mortgage paid off). The question– Should I pay down/off my home mortgage, pay off a current rental property mortgage, or invest in … Read More