HI all

Just diarying the journey today and should do that more often.

Updates..
1. work still fine, working 50 hours a week, making more than I ever did, raised 401k to 19% from me (and get a 3% match credited at the end of the year)-SPEECH CAME BACK!! yay.
2. doing a roof and turning over a house this month (roof is $3500. house is getting quoted)..
3. 2 tenants moving out end of May... one is long term and house requires updating. one house we should be able to clean and turn over quickly
4. 3 unit "turning over bad tenants/raising rents effort" is progressing but definitely more stressful than I had thought but still on track., We DID go down in rents from our projected $630 across all units to $600 across all units. Still hoping to have the bulk of this smoothed out at the end of May
5. projecting $17,600 worth of long term improvements this year between my house and the homes and 3 units. I will have to take $7600 out of the rental emergency fund to fund that and them replace that by end of year
6. still trying to save every month. $12k saved since the start of the year NOT including 401k
7. $28k increase in investments since start of year (with appreciation and new cash put in).. goal was $35k. Raising goal to $50k for the year
8. Dad is moving in to assisted lviing tomorrow .. 5 minutes from the house. big life change for him and me.. adding stress
9. lost wallet and 6 homes check last week (caused lots of stress.. ) almost had to replace the 6 homes check ($5100)but got it worked out.
10. still planning to refinance the house to a 15 year loan in August. I am currently on a 30 year loan paying almost 5.3.. rate should drop to 3.15 or something


2 years 9 months til 6 homes paid off but hoping for an easier year next year as we raise rents and take care of finalizing the bulk of the long term improvements this year.

Have not had ANY time to work on coming up with an extra $119k to pay off the homes at the end of this year but have 2 friends doing fix and flips. t hey are newbies but are estimating making $40-60k each.. being newbies maybe it will be much less but still interesting

We will see how it goes but I have friends who are NOT newbies, more experts, who do them and DO make that amount. I need access to cash (not my own) and TIME to THINK and RELAX (has been in super short supply lately)

Onward..

HI all

Been out for a while.. LOTS going on w Dad.. a little down. my speech (stutter) has taken a major turn for the worse.. and working on other stuff.

Anyway.. a good accountant is worth their weight in gold.

Worked with accountant (took some time) as this year was A LOT (lost the 2 flat, and refinanced my house twice after buying it in a hard money deal) and got a great refund coming.

Anyway.. refund $13,568. Crazy!

$4500 goes to the Roth IRA
$1000 wil go to regular investments (taxable)
Much (if not all) of the rest will fund this years 6 homes/3 units improvements.

We are working on tenants for both the 3 units places and will firm up tomorrow likely.. the 2nd person we were tossing moved on her own. Both have tentative move in dates of May 1 once signed.

Hopefully no vacancies there in a while! (but still have 2 more rents to raise)

Expecting the S8 lady to move out end of May .. along w the short term lease lady. so will have to fill 2 homes this year. Section 8 people generally stay a long time so when this one moves (7 year tenant) we have some updating to do and then hopefully can get another long term tenant. We took the short term lease lady because her lease bridged the gap between a bad time of year (winter) to early spring setting us up to re-rent it well to a longer term person. Also she paid like $300 more a month.

this is a BIG year for turnover though! Costly

and all the same time of year.

Hopefully next year will be much less.

Hi guys

I am trying to put as much as I can into investment. mostly (all) mutual funds. some health care. some balance retirement year funds. I keep hearing the stock market bubble is going to burst.

Are you guys pulling out of the market?
What do you recommend?
Do you think it is going to burst?

Seems like every time it went down it went right back up and if you stayed in (vs selling) you were ok.

Thoughts?

Thanks

HI all

My rent increase with section 8 went through and all it took was an email, call and filing out a form. WOW. got almost a $200 increase on a long term tenant.

Getting lots of good showings on our vacant apartment and other person we are tossing did not qualify for enough disability so expecting her to leave shortly.. Both will go up to $650 so so far on the 3 units I will have raised the rents $205/month . and the 6 homes $186 a month since the start of the year. hoping for more .. I WILL likely take a cut when that short term lease lady moves out so can not count yearly totals til we are at the end of year. Goal was to raise rents $400 across the board across all units. I want to exceed that and stay within the maintenance budget. note: rehab and roof money does not come from my maintenance budget it comes from the rental long term/or emergency fund.. so that will need to be either built up now or replenished later so I end the year at $15k

In other news.

car paid off!
and another $350 towards investments today and managed to vacation for 6 days with no noticeable decrease ins savings.
and set up $50 Vanguard auto invest per month (difference in car insurance w dropping the Tahoe)

facing some big costs though

1. city inspection on the 3 units.. estimate a few thousand (new code rules regarding water heaters and furnaces across ALL units)
2. remainder of the city inspection on 2 homes. minor outdoor work
3. roof on one house
4. turn over one house that has a long term tenant. estimating at least 4k?

But as I turn over these long term tenants the homes are getting updated so the 'update/rehab the whole house' is not yearly expense. (thank the lord)

Onward!

Rachael

3rd row seats came and fit (sign of relief)

Tahoe sold (very sad)

$30 less for insurance/month. not a big savings.. but saving on maintenance, license/registration etc long term.

Need to figure out another 4 x 4 wheel option or if I even need one when that time comes. Rescue may need one and maybe can help pay for a more used one

Not thinking of that now

For now..

$295 more towards savings
put rental fund up to $15000
and sent check to pay off the car.

Onward!

hi all

unit that was vacated looks fantastic. We will do a quick clean and re-rent. listing it for the weekend

I am going to a local landlord meeting April 14.. meet people and learn. I am looking forward

and finally seeing the 6 homes/3 units for what they were . a good deal but not a 'turnkey' situation more a deal where the sellers were sortof 'done' and rents were lower, management was 'ok' and the places needed some fix up.

I went into it thinking 'oh this will be relatively turn key'

Anyway glad I had the money to fix them up and hang in there through the turnovers (JUST starting on the 3 units this year) and the lack of rent.

I feel very good though that this was a good long term buy and feel I have 'turned the corner' and it is getting easier and easier and smoother and smoother.. and really when I am done I will be in a better position then had I not done the rentals and just 'saved' and actually even better then if I had kept the OLD rentals that I lost in foreclosure(those I paid too much for it. Only thing I wish was I had not used up my IRAs in the past..

that is the past. looking forward to the future

and just did the FIRE calculator thing and with a conservative estimate of savings $100k and my rentals paid off (4/2019 for ALL of them) I have no lines going to zero!

3 unit update. Looking up!

1. Guy we were throwing out is OUT! Property manager will assess the apartment tomorrow Am for repair/clean up but looked great last week. Will list for the weekend if looks good. Rent will be $650 and we are going to ask for $800-900 security. I will also have manager have Section 8 look at it. to see for the future what they would pay for it. He talked to Section 8 before and they were thinking $700 or so.
2. lady we went to court with today. Court went well. Basically 'we won" and got the judgeent. Move out date 4/14. It was set so far ahead because the tenant's income situation changed and she may be able to pay the back rent, attorneys fees and a higher rent and says she want too. We will see. If we do not work out something her date to get out is 4/14 and she WILL have increased income so hopefully can do that.
3. I also meet with the property manager tonght. We talk all the time but I meet w him once a quarter. I have a list go go through.

Feeling MUCH better w 6 homes/3 units this year. more proactive. less reactive. more in control

ALSO finally did my excel sheet summarizing up everything from the 6 homes/3 units for taxes for last year. Gave that to my accountant. I expect to have news on how much of a refund I will get either this week or end of next. Hoping for at least $10k

I also now have a process (MUCH better process) to track every month, track to goals and this process will allow me to just print it off at the end of the year and voilah! I am ready for taxes.

VERY happy I got rid of the other lady property manager

Put $500 to Vanguard. Rest of car money will towards the rental emergency fund and the Genesis payoff

Tahoe sold. (fast. and sad to see it go)

$21600.. (Carmax offer was $19k so think I did pretty well)

They put down $500 and need to finalize w their bank .. pick up is set for Thursday which is also when I will have the 3rd row seats. If you recall I sold them on ebay thinking I would keep the Tahoe and then a few months later decided to sell it. I bought seats on Ebay last night so pretty even exchange

Money will go towards

1. $17800-pay off Genesis (this car was $32k to me when I bought). it was a 2011 and bought in 2012. will try to buy older cars in the future.. 2-3 years old vs ONE year old..so I do not pay out such a large amount in the future.
2. The rest will go to finish off the emergency fund (for rentals) and maybe savings

Will put the savings from reduced insurance on an auto pilot monthly investment allocation

Hoping to get these 3 units turned over and filled soon (the ones we are working on moving out bad tenants. one for sure out Tuesday or soooner and then plan is to rerent for the 1st.. one has court 3/24)

Hi all

Tahoe ad is up on Craigs list Hoping for $22k for a 2008 Tahoe LTZ w 88k miles.

Fingers crossed.

Brother dropped off $300 this month for the privilege of using my address.. sent itright to vanguard. I should get this every month.

Talked to Section 8 on my rent increases. They are submitting 1 house that is now at $975 in for approval at $1111 a month. Hope it works. (very easy way to raise the rent on long term tenants if it does.. teannt portion does not go up) The other 2 are not eligible as the people in them have only 1 bedroom 'vouchers' but choose to stay in a much larger house so for then I need to move them on to raise the rent.

The short term insurance lady moves out at the end of April. she pays $1435. We are looking to re-rent at $1250 or so. She paid more because her lease was short term. I expect minimal fix up there as we just fixed it up and she has kept it up well. should rent fast.

Other lady (section 8) rent $950 is moving out around the same time. end of April . end of May. We will need to update that house and will expect $1100-12oo in rent when we do. I expect to lose a few weeks here fixing this up.

Things are still in the works on the 3 units. Hoping that one guy gets out over the weekend but if he does not all his stuff wil be set outside (extra $200) on the lawn Tuesday.

Court date for other lady 3/24 too

and 3rd 'slow payer'.. his lease is up 5/15 and we can not apparently serve him for just a late fee. Property manager is going to talk to him and see his intentions etc. His rent will go up to $630 if he stays..if he misses rent we will start fileing.. so his rent will go up 6/1 to $630. if he misses that we will serve him

I think people are seeing we have pretty good units in a nice neightborhood at a good price in town. Which bodes well. We did a random search and really again there are very few 1 bedrooms in town.

reviewing w my accountant I have already raised rents $460 (a month) across the 6 homes since I got them.

Onward.

Hi all

As you know I sortof 'started over in 2012" at age 41. pretty scary at the time and scary now but I am investing and saving all I can and trying to come up with extra money all the time. So it gets less scary and more exciting every day.

In a short time I think I have done alot.

My post though is about the fact that this past year ish my investments (just simple mutual funds) have gone up ALOT and today it made me think 'wow IF I had $500k or something in those funds or even $100k' how much faster the interest rate balance accumulation would go. Exciting and makes me want to save more so I can see some of that and start adding to capital like that in a big way.Like Now when I make 10% on say $10k that is $1000 if I had $100k or $500k that would be $10k or $50k.

Striving to invest wisely and get to those LARGER balances quickly so the market does more for me than it is even doing now.

Currently projecting having $275k in (various retirement and non retirement) investments by 6/2019 (age 48) but that is a projection and may change (down or UP!!)

onward.

I was going to search for that blog. 'Born to Win' or something to get his thoughts on making an Emergency fund and fortifying it with items too. like food... insurance or whatever (he had many ideas) to cut down on the actual cash I need to reserve.

HI all
Brief good news on the 3 units

1. we got our first renewal!! Lots of people (including the old property manager said I was crazy and did not know how to run my business) but looks like it may just work. We got our toughest renewal. the one with the biggest rent change. $560 to $630 effective 4/1!!
2. guy we are tossing out is moving out THIS WEEK. apartment look immaculate. Goal is to rent it by the first. If he does not move by this week. sheriff comes the 24th. Most move before hand and he knows the date
3. Court for the other lady (who was on the failing payment plan) is 3/24..
4. other guy we do not like and who is always 'slow' w rent and late fees. his lease is up 5/15. We sent him a renewal. if he does not pay late fees immediately ($60) or renew we will toss him as well.

With THAT done we will have gotten rid of ALL the bad renters and can smooth things out. The other 2 folks are newer people and good renters. likely to accept the renewal when it comes up but if not we expect no trouble.

Goal was to raise the rents by $400 this year across ALL units. With these 4 points above (raising rent to $650 on NEW tenants and $630 on the renewals) . we will have raised rents by $280. This assumes the 'slow payer' renews at $630 and straightens up . if not we will put a new person in there at $650 making the total go up to $300 month increase. Of course this comes at a cost but we the cost was worth it (and unavoidable. these guys were not paying anyway) AND now w the new leases in my property managers name (not the old PM) he can file eviction suits on his own on any new or renewed tenants.

feeling good. still a lot of cost this year but feeling like things are getting more and more under control.

HI all

A milestones for the 6 homes. I made my payment this month (it is due the 25th) and now I only have 2 years 11 months left to go.

Feeling much better much more in control w the 6 homes (and 3 units)

in February I can pull yet another house out of the package and get a free and clear deed which would give me 2 free and clear deeds. I can pu1l 1 more in the life of the deal and then get the rest once the full loan is paid off.

Next big (non 6 homes) milestone is the refinance which I will go for in August which should take me from this loan I have now at 5.xx percent (forget) to a 15 year 3.x% loan which actually will only be a few hundred more than what I pay now if that.

Onward.

still saving every dime I can.

My brother should start paying me $300 a month start next week. All of that will go towards savings.

STILL have not done taxes. dad and work have taken all my time. will make time this week. Hoping to get $10k back which will go to the Roth and more savings.

Rachael

All,

Lots of updates.

Work offered me full time $100k, 2 weeks vacation (they have room to increase vacation to 3 weeks or maybe more), 3 % 401k match vested in 3 years. I make effectively $120ish now and HAAVE an instant vestd 3% match so NOT going to take this now. I am on contract for a year (January 2016)and will evaluate at the end of thisyear options to go full time, jump to another group who can extend my contract where I work now or get it extended in the group I am in

Dad.. looks lke Dad is deciding to move to assisted living nearby. getting forms and drs evals set up. fingers crossed. He did drive a short distance and was fine. We do not have authority to stop his driving and lettign him drive to the dealership helped him free up to make the decision to move. easier to deal w the car when he has transport options avail (assisted living)

6 homes.. going great.. rents always in .. the short term insurance lady we put in last year is likely moving on in 30-60 days.. so May or June 1.. we will look to rent it for $1200..current short term rent is $1435. Should rent easily. good time of year to rent

other homes.. one section 8 lady is moving end of April. will look to raise that rent by $300 and fix up house (few thousand)

3 units. guy we are throwing out was served by the sheriff. we looked at the apartment. IMMACULATE.. hoping he moves soon but sheriff comes in 3 weeks (most move prior to that). raising rent by $65 (or more if we can)

Other lady not paying rent. attorney was not happy w our 5 day notice (did not include certain wording). we have changed the wording. re-served her LAST Monday and expect to get a court date in 7-10 days after THIS Monday. same time frame with her.. within 4-8 weeks after that court date she should be OUT!! raise her rent by $90

Slow payer. paid all but $50 of his rent.. we are putting him on notice he needs to pay or get out.. and will serve him Monday if needed..

We are trying to clear everyone out in the SPRING. so we can rent them easier..

Put in for s8 increases (of $200 each) on the other homes.. Section 8 did not deny them but asked me to redo the forms etc.. did nto fill them in correctly and clear up this city inspection (due 3/24) and may want me to do some fix up. we will see but fingers crossed.

I have a budgetted $1300 monthly loss across the 3 units and 6 homes ..every dollar of rent i can increase decreases that budgetted loss. My goal is to increase rents $400/month across all. I am hoping to exceed that.

6 homes paid off March 2015, 3 units March 2019

By some miracle still able to save every month.

Did not do taxxes yet.. swamped w work, work trips, Dad. will look to finish the needed data thsi weekend

Another update w Dad. I am so stressed and upset.

Rogene (Dad's girlfriend) JUST sent a text that Dad called the Cadillac place for a new set of keys.. she has hidden them and he thinks they are lost which is why he called them.

I feel helpless and stressed I am out here but it makes me feel like or think (rightly or wrongly). why doesn't Rogene just say he is not able to drive and she is not giving him the keys.. why does she text me and just let it happen??

Will call that attorney guy.

leaving for a work trip very soon and find it hard to concentrate on much else w this insanity going on.

I ahd already called the police on this stuff before and they are not able to do anything unless he breaks the law.. removing the drivers license requires a competency hearing. removing the car from the premises requires Guardianship.. if against his will.

HI all

Thanks so mmuch for your feedback and just support.

Talked to Dad and his long time girlfriend Rogene (said ROsheen) and really Dad is 'making progress' towards making a decision but sees no urgency because he does not feel Rogene is leaving anytime soon and the truth is Rogene is not being blunt or direct with him and is enabling him. I have no leverage with Dad when she is there in the house soft pedaling around what he needs, and when she is leaving.... and has not set any dates to move out.

My plan. continue to follow through w attorney (but there is not a safety issue with her there) and write a letter to Dad and her .. very direct to the point and call then and then let things be. I have done all I can at this point and until Rogene takes some action (vs complaining to me) and insteads talks to Dad. I mean he can still think,and understand that she is leaving I do not see he will move and really he is not in danger with her there either.

Crazy but can not keep beating my head on the wall and have been taking too much time for work anyway

Hoping my letter and laying it out for Rogene helps and really hoping he decides to sign the lease or show interest by the 18th. Upsetting. These places are NOT easy to come by and this one is close, reasonable and DOES have memory care..and they met him already.

Anyway that is the plan. take the tough stance w Rogene and Dad btu really if Rogene actually sets a date to leave .. Dad will likely move and I am also going to be direct and say that his confusion episodes present a health/safety hazard so he is not able to live on his own (he is talking about staying in the house until it is sold.. hellooo??) and I will need to call services and then since he is out state they will have control. not me.

I will also follow up w the attorney on guardianship but already talking to the first guy unless Dad is an danger (and w ROgene there 24/7 w no moving on date hard to prove) I have no case.. I do not envision this going that route but really is Rogene would just take stand w HIM not me it would be very helpful.

Trying my best but hard and crazy.

HI all,

Just diarying.

3 things.

1. person who was making payments at the 3 units is no longer doing so and has said that. We are filing today on her and are also going to the sheriffs office today to toss that guy who we already won on in court. The brother of that guy is getting 'unreliable too' so may need to toss him. All hard challenging COSTLY news but better to get these guys out NOW.. than later. Also sent out 2 lease renewals at $630.. Really need to clear this up fast and restore income to me.. tough!
2. Dad.. VERY BAD SITUATION. Dad has dementia and some times thinks things that are not the case (thinks he is still in the airforce, thinks he is in trouble may go to jail etc). His long time girlfriend lives with him but is moving out (soon.. weeks/days). She is hiding his keys but every day gets very frustrated with the situation and wants out now. She and Dad were out here Saturday. I found a good assisted living place for Dad right near the house. He does not believe he needs help and in short I am not sure if he is going to sign a lease. I have a room on hold until the 18th. Talked to an attorney and he says my power of attorneys are not worth much and in this situation I need GUARDIANSHIP and since it is out of state it will be a 2 step process (get it in Wisconsin first and then transfer to Illinois). Anyway costly.. lengthy . just bad. Girlfriend is having a hard time living w Dad as he for the past week has been panicked about jail and trying to leave/drive the car (she hid his keys). Anyway. situation is really to explode and just very hard. I expect to learn more from an attorney today and will continue to ask Dad/encourage him to sign the lease at this assisted lviing/memory h elp place near me. Fingers crossed.
3. Kevin my brother called and on a high note wnts to pay me $300/month to use my address to send bills too etc. he is a truck driver and will find that easier etc.. Hopefully that works out.

Work is still ok. BUSY.. 50+ hours a week. and traveling to Nashville again Wed-Thursday

Had a vacation set up for 6 days to Pheonix at the end of this month. likely cancelling to deal with the Dad situation

Onward and hoping for some GOOD NEWS!!

HI all

Excited for first pay day tomorrow!! Have not had a check in 4 weeks and this one will have 401k money being transferred too.

Had a SUPER bad day at work yesterday.. but feeling good today (this sales guy talked down to me but he apparently is this way with everyone so I got over it)..

Hoping for a good month next month w the rentals but got that guy moving out at some point, the city inspection partial fix (rest will wait til that lady moves out) and a lease renewal to a 3 unit person at $630 to get signed off on or we need to turn the unit over.. Also submitting to get increased rents at the Section 8 homes. They say an exception maybe can be made and my rents increased. It would be great to NOT have to turn over the remaining homes to get a rent increase. Got the fair market rents off of HUD and the 3 bedrooms fair market rent is $1249. I get between 900-975!! I want to raise those rents the least cost way possible.

meet with tax guy hopefully SUNDAY!! Hoping for at least $10k. fund the ROth and save the rest.

Onwards.

Hi all

I went out this last weekend and walked through the 2 side by side homes in detail. These were 2 of the ones who had the city inspection and that we had not rehabbed yet. The home with the most items is being vacated in April (lady is moving on. YAY..we did not like here). we expect a rent raise from Section 8 to $1200+. it is at $975 now.. We will attempt to defer the fixup until then so we can just do the rehab at the same time when she is out..kitchen cabinets are way out of date so considering new kitchn cabinets there.. the other one had a some minor items and I love the tenant (but she only pays $950.. long term tenant and Section 8 is on that 10 year rent freeze). So this year for large expenses I have that one roof, the turn over of this house and probably turning over 3-4 units at the 3 unit property.. Feeling good and positive with raising rents and keeping things on track. Being MORE proactive and am now saving for this rehab..and the roof (vs being reactive and trying to pull it out of nowhere). I already socked away the cage bank money $1750 and will get $1250 from the tenant who is moving to go towards rehab/roof money.

We won in court for the 3 unit tenant who is not paying. he has until March 6 to move out. if he does not we have to file additional paperwork to physically move him out and the physical move will likely happen at the end of this month. Attorney was wonderful.. easy and low cost and costs DEFINED.. So he is moving end of month either way. one bad tenant down. I get updates on the other tenant today (the one trying to catch up) and property manager is sending out lease renewals today.

Feeling positive

My hours at work definately look like 45+ a week on a regular basis. This means I can fully fund the 401k and save $13-1500 a month on top. some months this will be true savings some month it will go towards the work above.

Onward.

Hi guys

As you know I do not get a paycheck this month (due to timing with old job and new job paycheck cutoffs). anyway I am feeling like I am missing my 'fix' of saving here and there. What 'small goals' do you guys set that help you get through and stay motivated?

Also I ordered Nutrisystem and am working out a system to eat at home. I used to eat out alot.. now cooking.. buying food.. fun. learning and less money for better food. have more energy too. Will start to track savings.

I am ordering Nutrisystem for either 1 or 2 months to help me learn portions.. good eating and to get a jump start.. also exercising 30 minutes and drinking every day and KEEPING Track. I am 15 pounds over what I weighted 'pre buying house back from the bank'.. I gained 10 lbs there and the other 5 with the old job.

Onward to a healthier happier me.

Anyone have experience with Nutrisystem?

Hi guys.

First of all does SA load slower for you lately? these past few weeks it loads super sloooow.. I use Chrome .. any advice?

Updates. 2 of my homes are subject to city inspection. got a lengthy inspection this time.. (first time inspection since I had the homes). anyway getting quotes and looking at the homes this weekend with the manager but expecting a few thousand? news sooon

Also one of the 6 homes people (the one we were actually considering getting rid of) is moving out on her own.. that is 'good' but these homes have not been fixed up in 5-7 years .. because tenants have stayed so long. I am expecting a few thousand to turn it over.. Luckily these paragraphs are on the same house so maybe we can do double duty and save some $

On a high note too. I should get at least $1100 if not $1200 or more for rent on the house she is moving out of . Current rent is $975 so big bump in rent and easy to rent.

I am taking my $1750 for the cage bank and applying that towards the rental fund to help with costs of the above.

So far even with one guy not paying and 1 lady behind I am sticking to my budget every month.. makes me feel it will be awesome when I have full rent.

So hanging in there and better organized than last year but got some 'turning over' of units to do this year too.. so some costs to cover.

Next month marks the 24th payment and after that I have 3 years to go on the 6 homes...continuing the count down

HI all

Sold the cage bank for $1750.. taking payment today and then dropping it off next weekend. YAY!

Also found another $500 so definately making up that shortfall for this month. maybe I can save something?

Another 45+ hour work week and going to Nashville next week for work.

I feel like this year will be a good year.

The lady making payments paid $600 yesterday .. maybe she CAN catch up. I have a call in to the property manager to see what her plan is.. either way we have done the 5 day notice so can file at anytime.

Guy not paying at the 3 units.. court date is next Friday. quick!.. hopefully he leaves on own before or shortly thereafter

Attorney said I do not have a significant enough case against the old property manager for damages for putting this guy in with out doing proper screening. so moving on

Almosst done gathering up all tax docs. hope to work with the CPA the week after next or next weekend. Hoping for a BIG refund so I can fund the Roth and have more left over

Motorcycle guy (owes me $6k) .. no news yet

Dad is not doing well. and his girlfriend is indicating she is moving on and he needs to be in a memory care or other home (and he does). so will be setting that up in the next few months unless something changes.. little scary sad.. but plowing through it. he looks very ill and is VERY WEAK.. so not sure how this is going to go or for how long. Need to sell his house in Wisconson. car and stuff inside house. Girlfriend will assist.. and need to find a place out here..Dad is not being forthright with his financials at this point so will try to get information out of him. I am SO GRATEFUL that where I work is so large they have offices all over and have one near Dad (20 minutes) away so when I want to work in Wisconsin I can.

Looking to buy the 3rd row seats for the Tahoe off of ebay ..$799..(sold them last year for money thinking the Tahoe was long term car).. with the 3rd row seats I can get $1500 more at Carmax and I am sure more everywhere else in general. Some guy online (I called him) had a similar car to mine. same year.. great shape. sold for $23k cash to some buyer off Craigs list. Buyer had to get a loan but that was it. I owe approx $16k on the Genesis after the Warranty credit which is STILL not there. was thinking to pay off the car and when the time comes buy a 4x4 SUV for me and the rescue to use at a much lower price. Rescue maybe can kick in a portion.. hard to justify the Tahoe sitting all year.

Onward.

HI all

All good news . feeling positive.

Overtime approved long term! up to 50 hours (have to ask if more than that)

Put 401k percentage in at 16%.. work will contribute an instant vest match of 3%^ so almost 20% total will go in allowing me to max it out this year

Rents all in at 6 homes and 3 units. except payment lady and guy we are throwing out.. my budget for the month is set now.. no more variables out of my control.. running $700 short with FIT BIT (see below) and medical bill.. but got an idea to make up $500 of that. Realistically I have a $1500 buffer in my checking so am fine but want to not use that.

speech is improving.. stutter subsiding as i get more at ease with my teammates etc. drove to Brown Deer, Wi yesterday to meet people HUGE HELP.

My boss however at work was let go.. unsure why. they are posting the job. I will express my interest in wanting full time but I just started and want to get he lay of the land first.

I got the FITBIT (some electronic wrist band thing) that someone else got here that tracks calories, miles walked etc. can not wait for it to come. I want to get fit this year and get into a sustainable routine with this work at home.

I can now work at home ANYTIME I want but will go in to work every so often.

Feeling good.

More 3 unit updates.

Got costs from attorney referral.. $250 if no trial. $350 if trial.. feels good to have it quantified..

No news on non paying guy. attorney will file Monday.
The person with a balance was served w a 5 day notice and says she will pay $600 next FRiday and get caught up in full by March. We will wait to file to see if the $600 comes in.. and wait out the 5 day notice. Basically though she is unlikely to suddenly turn into a good payer long term so at some point she may just need to go.

Meanwhile. trying to figure out if there is a way to terminate water for INDIVIDUAL apartments. Right now the city says they can only turn off the entire 3 unit building. If there is not a way to teriminate individually that might be a good thing to install in the future. City gave me and the property manager things to look for to check this out.

Rents still being collected. do not have final count on 3 units. but the 6 homes rents are in.

Already paid 3 unit mortgage.. 6 homes one is not due until the 25th.

Onward.

Figuring after 3 months on this new job I will change my goal of a 4 month emergency fund down to 3 (which I already have) and if renewal or full time looks likely a few months after that. I may invest some of that fund to grow it..

HI all

Another update.

New job. STRESS LEVEL is dramatically reduced. It is challenging with it being new and my stutter but looks manageable and fun. I drive to Brown Deer Wisconsin Monday to meet my bosses boss and some other folks and I go to Nashville the 17-18 to meet some clients and my project team. Meeting in person will help my speech anxiety. Excited. Boss is not who I thought it was .. they switched it at the last minute. He is in Florida. Basically i have no team mates or boss locally.. little weird but this company gives you lots of latitude IF you get the job done. I am handling a MAJOR project (the infrastructure side). little scary still but hanging in there. Last day of my first week is today (whew!)

ALSO my boss . this is crazy but possible good news. These folks work over 40 hours ALL the time so I asked him if I was capped at 40? and he said he will check the way I was set up but was not concerned so while he checks that (2-3 weeks) I am ok to bill overtime. 'just try to keep it at 10 hours over. do not want you working all night'

TEN HOURS OVER is almost $2000 extra a month!! WOW.

Anyway it is hard for me to work 10 hours over since I have to work at work these next few weeks and this week did not get on the network until yesterday, also waiting on VPN access but at home it will be easier and actually I have the work now to do the overtime so will get in some.

FIngers crossed that overtime works out long term.

3 units.

A rough patch (which I and the Property Manager knew). a little rougher than expected because I did not realize or think that my PM can not go to court for me because his name is not on the lease. it is the old property managers name. This means we have to get an attorney $$

Anyway.. person who has been continuously behind . we are filing court docs on her and the guy who 'just moved in in Dec' we are filing court docs on him. Hope and thought is that these guys will be gone way before court date comes but you never know.. And my property manager did not put these guys in there so we do not know them. Never had to go to court before (except years ago when I was like 20) so this is upsetting. I will get costs/plan today and tomorrow.

upsetting but better to take the loss and move on then have this drag on and on.

Reclaimed both their security deposits to help with cash flow.

First renewal goes out next month ( new lease) for someone else in the 3 units at $630. We will see how that goes.

6 homes still going well. that lady we moved in last year (fire insurance claim) we have no word yet on when she is moving out but it will likely be in these next 3 months. No other pending move outs.. so 6 homes are riding right along there.

and this month I paid all bills and my estimate to the 6 homes/3 units fund already(I subsidize that every month since it is on a 5 year payoff and does not cash flow on its own) and am coming out with a projected $500 short for the month. I have no more projected job income coming in this month at all. I have $1500 buffer in my account though but am going to try to come up with that $500 or cut costs so I do not ahve to use it.3 years left on the 6 homes as of March. Turning these 3 units over and cleaning that situation up should reduce my monthly pay in to $700 a month. Also taking care of these large things helps too. just getting the homes and 3 units in shape and purring along.

Only variable at this point is for the month (1) rents/costs ( I estimated HIGH COSTS and 6 homes rents are in. no word if all 3 units are in but we will be missing at least 2 which are already in my estimate) .. (2) food/misc monthly expenses.(also estimated high) .. probably can shave a lot here.

Here is to hoping I can cover this $500 shortfall with out any pulling out of funds.

Onward.

Estimatimg my tax refund as $11-13k. Hope that is the case. If so. I will fully fund the Roth (need to check with my accountant that I can ) and put the rest towards savings.

Guy with that motorcyle.. STIll in contact.. still trying to sell. HE needs to sell it now too so he is working harder and is in more contact. Remind me NEVER to loan people money again. Anyway that is $6,000 which will put the rental emergency fund back up to where it should be. $15,000

If I can average 45 hours a week at work . I can MAX out the 401k (company gives 3% instantly vested match so all I have to put in is 13%) and then use the rest to save.

Still waiting on interpretation of city inspection report .. hopefully news this week or next and then I will go out there myself to see.

Hi all

My old job asked me to bill an extra 20 hours last week so I could help with transitioning my work after hours. Total billed 61.5. that is 700 extra after taxes) WOW! That is awesome. Also got an unforeseen insurance refund of $100.

I put $1900 towards the vacation fund (as you know) and $500 towards saving to keep me at the $500 short still for the month... actually now only $350-400 short for the month. may put more towards the rental fund. we will see.. My plan/challenge is to make that $500 shortfall happen without dipping into savings.

FIRST DAY at the new job tomorrow.. sortof nervous.. excited.. hope it goes well

14 inches of snow today. glad I got my snowblower as a gift and that I still have the Tahoe.. need to figure out SOMETHING with a 4 wheel drive or the Tahoe.

3 units .. bumpy road but not unexpected. Guy who is not paying should be moving out this week. GOOD NEWS.. need to turn it over ASAP. Will take his security and unit should be in good shape as it was just fixed up last mmonth for him

Other lady who is behind missed 2 payments . we are doing a 5 day notice tommorrow and just getting rid of her. HOPEFULLY she goes fast without a big court thing and then we have our first renewal notice going out at $630 this month to another unit.

So little rough right now but will be better long term to get rid of these bad tenants and bring it back up to market rents.

6 homes continue to chug along but had a 'city inspection on 2 of them' (happens every 4 years).. got a big list .. property manager is figuring out costs and what exactly inspectors wants.. costs/plan next week..many items are small and you never really know from looking at the list as they pick from 'pre written drop downs' to fill in the form

STIll believe in homes and the plan.

Hi all

I work on contract so get no paid vacation through work. This will change if I go full time with this new job. In any case, I decided to build a vaation fund with this extra week of work so put $1900 in this fund today. This is enough income to take off approx a week and a half of work but does not pay for travel vacation expenses. I can afford onesies twosies day offs just on watching my budget each month. Either way it is nice to have as I never had this fund before AND it really helps me see how much 'paid vacation' is worth.

Here is to hoping the new job works out,that they have full time openings and that those full time openings pay at least $110k salary so I can officially end hte job search.

If the new job works out I will discontinue the need (goal) of 4 months emergency fund and instead settle at 3 months which I have already.

Still expecting $500-700 shortfall next month (4 weeks without a paycheck). That assumes not pulling from any current funds I have listed on the side. I am going to still try to cover that by 'pulling something out of a hat'

Onward.

Hi all,

My notice date.I went to work and said I could give 2 weeks notice.. they were thrilled and said they need that etc etc..They also said that my original PO is up THIS FRIDAY but an extension was in the works and I should assume I was worknig for 2 more weeks. They were going to do the right paperwork etc.

Much back and forth and updates occurred and basically they are not able to reach the person ( the final signer) who was to sign the work order so are just going to have me leave Friday.

That was what I originally wanted but upon thinking on it was going to work the extra week and bank that towards a vacation fund. I do not have time to list all the back and forth but how this was handled is very disappointing and shocking and makes me think that had I NOT given notice I would have been dropped anyway with no notice due to lack of the final signature.

Shocking .. demotivating and upsetting

I work at home today and will wrap things up for an end date of Friday.

The project sponsor is all upset and is trying to see if they can override the decision and keep me for a week but not feeling too confident.

tight month next month but onward!

Hi all

Quick note here. I got the PC.. $477 (with data transfer and they were able to recover all my data) I feel good. and WOW.. fast.. more efficient all of that.

3 unit status

goal- raise rents this year across the board at the 3 units so my negative cash flow is reduced by $400 a month
goal-raise laundry income or pull out laundry coin op

1. 4 rents are in in full
2. 1 rent is $10 short and is on a payment plan for $766 back rent
3. one guy has not paid at all. coincidently it is that guy the old property manager put in last month with the long delay to move in, upset, angry calls etc. I am contacting her about breach of duty. this guy denies filling out the application (which means SHE filled it out which I suspected) and his financial situation has not changed yet he has not paid the rent and is unable too. Clearly no due diligence was done and just lies and lies. I called to confront her on other stuff last Friday the conversation got heated and she eventually hung up. I will contact her again today. she is refusing to provide receipts and I believe stole supplies. This lady is like 65 year old.. crazy!!very upsetting. In addition the lease is in the name of the old property manager so it is hard for my new property manager to do the court paperwork for me. I like to avoid court though anyway.
5. currently late fees are not being charged at all
6. rents average around $570
7. all units are the same, large light and bright one bedrooms


PLAN
1. notify everyone late fees start Feb 1
2. have new PM evaluate laundry usage thru March to either raise prices or close and sell equipment (does not pay for itself now)
3. get person with a rent backlog on a written payment plan-encourage her to move out
4. make contact with non paying guy. get whatever we can from him and encourage him to move out
5. let everyone else know all rent renewals will be at $630 and new move-ins at $650. Advise if they want to move out early before lease end date there will be no penalty if we get 30 days notice and can show while they are in there.. otherwise we take full security

new tenants will put down 1.5 months security.. $975 so we are better protected or maybe $800

A little rough sailing ahead but onward

Hi all

I have mixed feelings. I give notice tomorrow.

I can either give notice for 1 week or 2 or a week and some days. I start the new job 2/2.

If I give notice of one week I was going to take off one week for just ME.. no specific plans. just low stress.. have fun

or I can give notice to end sometime the week of 1/26-30.. taking either part of that week off or working for he entire week (which means I start my new job with no break between)

I work contract so have not really had a break as of late. I did take some days off for the holidays but I was doing family/holiday stuff so it was not necessarily a relaxing break

Can I afford it?

I am $500 short for February if I give 1 week notice and take off a week (I( can probably find $500 somewhere and not use up savings). remember I will not have a check until the end of February w the paycheck cycle.. so Feb will be very tight either way. But for some reason I seem to do well with 'making due in a crunch'. I will have very little savings this month with the job transition or next month with no paychecks coming in at all.

If I work the extra week I will save that towards a time off fund so will still be $500 short for next month but I still think I can find this $500 somewhere. I can also just use it towards costs and not be short. this $500 short assumes no savings at all in Jan or Feb and a certain amount from the not for profit.

Just mixed.. I so much want some time off to RELAX. Maybe I work til the 28th or 29th? I will not have an opportunity to have time off for at least a few months with a new job.

I am currently thinking of workig til the 1/28 so get 3 days in

thoughts?

Checking in.. Clarifying goals for the 'not for profit, personal goals and financial goals tomorrow. I work at home tomorrow.

Still at that job but kicking up job search again thsi week. I am in for 2 jobs. fingers crossed. Got word on another work at home last week.. called.. submitted and then put on hold. Crazy!

6 homes property manager officially took over the 3 units on the 1st. VERY excited w him and encouraged but Very disappointed with old 3 unit manager.. apathetic towards rents, costs way overbudget, dishonesty.. etcv

Anyway.. LOOKING FORWARD.

She put in a problem tenant that she gave $20 off too (without asking) and that tenant is now not paying rent and owes $746 + late fees + this month rent. We are doing a 5 day notice tomorrow am and my guy has dropped by 3x. Upsetting but 'part of the business' and 'part of smoothing' things out. I forecasted turniing over 3 of the 6 units this year due to raising rents so this is not 'out of the budget' totally.. .though the back rent is.

I find out tomorrow which rents are inm at the 6 homes and 3 units. One thing I like w this guy is that I have certainty w rents and information.

I am also thrilled that I am managing him and the costs better.. Feeling very good.

Work is 'ok'.. my speech has taken a major hit w the stress at work. tyring to get it back. If I was not so threatened at work I could stand it a few more months. even the 2 year term (but likely only have work thru June) just every day is SUCH a nightmare right now w layoffs, and so high stress and hostility.


I will petition to work 5 extra hours a week again starting next week.

Not for profit cat rescue is coming together too.. setting goals and managing people and finances better. Tough 'health' month.. Lost 3 kittens..FIP, lost 1 adult..liver/anemia issues .. and 2 kittens have ringworm. Crazy days but nothing we have not seen before. BIG #s this year and lots of volunteer engagement. I have our annual party this Sunday with all (most) of the volunteers.

Other rescue who wants our cage bank (we have 3) says they will have the $ in 3 weeks. Fingers crossed.

Have not sold the Tahoe or really tried too. Hard for me to list the Tahoe when a snow storm (like today) could crop up any second and my job depends on driving 100+ miles a day.

I will either hold off on selling until March or see if I can figure otu another 4 wheel drive option for snow days.. I can get an older SUV for $7k.. still in good shape...and the rescue is primarily who needs it so can kick in something. I WIll be selling that Tahoe at some point soon.

My boyfriend grew up on a farm and is one of those crazy handy types and an engineer. He is also 'more practical' then warm(?) with his gifts.. He got me that snow blower for Christmas but then what was super nice. I am Christian. he got me this super nice house thing from a Christian store and (drum roll please). I had just lost that adult cat (very sad upsetting case.. I only foster the tough cases so I lose more than most) and he built me a kitchen in my 'back-back room' in the basement. I have a 3/4 finished basement and 1/4 unfinished.. The unfinished side is 30x 17 space unfinished (its own room). he carved out 10 x 17 of that. installed cabinets, sink, mini fridge, microwave, lights, counter top.. very nice. I am going to paint that tomorrow or something. This will make it much easier for the next hard case so I do not have to run up and down the steps to the fridge, microwave, blender. I can just hang the sub q fluids. Easier to clean, isolate all sorts of stuff.

Made the first payment on the new home mortgage!

Onward. I so enjoy reading everyone else's info and updates.