BRRRR Investing Basics; Step 3: Rent

Corby Goade • Apr 03, 2020

BRRRR basics, the third R- rent!

New investors fret for years on the “B” in BRRRR- buying. That first step is always so scary, the deal has to be PERFECT. Once they have that deal, the agonize over the rehab- nickel and dime their contrators, do as much work themselves as they possibly can in an effort to get the property perfect as they prep to advertise it “for rent.”

After all of this work, effort and expense- they take the first smiling prospective tenants to show up with a check.

Friends- let me tell you about the MOST expensive mistake most new investors make; not thoroughly and properly screening their tenants. You think your rehab was expensive and stressful? Wait until you have a tenant smoking in your kitchen, dumping trash down your vents and laughing in your face when you politely ask them to pay rent. Wait until you are forced to move forward with a formal eviction and you’re stuck with seemingly never ending bills from your attorney. For months on end. For reals. Your rehab bill could be a walk in the park in comparison.

It’s awful. But there is good news- it’s actually pretty easy to find yourself reliable and responsible tenants. Screen them. Screen them properly, thoroughly and in accordance with all fair housing laws. It’s really that simple. Sure, there are plenty of details, and there will be much more detailed blogs about landlord/tenant relations, but it all begins with proper screening.

You’ll need to develop screening criteria that have nothing to do with the protected classes. You can screen based on income, credit scores, whether they have pets, if they have good references and any other criteria you feel strongly about, as long as they aren’t related to those protected classes. You need to publish your criteria- either on your website, your ads for the property or on your application.

Insider tip- just because you are proud, and you should be, of your new investment, it may not be in your best interest to let everyone and their dog know that you are the owner and the landlord. If you own the property and your tenant knows this, every interaction now becomes a negotiation. Need a rent increase? Why? Be prepared to make the argument, and it’s not likely to go well.

There is a foolproof way to avoid all of that mess- let Boise TurnKey guide you through the process. Our sister property management company, CohesionProperties.com, has never had a formal eviction. Of course anything is possible, but having an experienced team behind you goes a long way.

10 Apr, 2024
Springtime in Boise, Idaho, brings a burst of life and color after the winter chill. With its mild temperatures and beautiful landscapes, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during this vibrant season. Here are the five best things to do in Boise, Idaho, during the spring:
10 Apr, 2024
Itching to get away? Ready for an pre-summer, much needed vacation? We have a solution: go on a day-trip staycation to feel like a tourist in your hometown. Many of our clients, friends, and neighbors have recently moved to the great city of Boise, Idaho. However, when we move cross country (and during a pandemic!) it's easy to miss some of Boise's best spots. Here's how we would plan the day, if we were you.
10 Apr, 2024
Are you considering dipping your toes into the world of real estate investing? Whether you're eyeing residential properties for rental income or looking to flip houses for profit, understanding the role of credit scores is paramount. At Boise Turnkey, we believe that arming yourself with knowledge about credit scores can be a game-changer in your real estate investment journey. So, let's dive in and explore everything you need to know about credit scores in real estate investing.
10 Apr, 2024
Finishing an unfinished basement can significantly increase the usable space in your home and add value to your property! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to finish an unfinished basement:
06 Dec, 2023
Are you a savvy real estate investor looking to level up your game and rapidly grow your rental property portfolio? If so, the BRRRR method might just be the key to unlocking your next level of success. BRRRR, which stands for Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, and Repeat, is a powerful strategy that allows investors to recycle their capital and build a substantial real estate empire. In this blog post, we'll explore how you can use the BRRRR method to go from owning one rental property to an impressive portfolio of 10.
10 Nov, 2023
The Treasure Valley goes all out for Christmas. From ice skating, to decorations, to simply enjoying the snow and the cozy time together with our families, we at Boise Turnkey wait all year long for the joy that the holiday season brings in Boise. For this month's blog, here's our top 10 best things to do to celebrate the holidays in Boise! Whether you're new to Boise, thinking about moving to the valley, or are just looking for something new to do this year, this blog is for you!
06 Oct, 2023
Investing in real estate can be a lucrative endeavor, but it's not something you should dive into blind, without proper financial preparation. Just like any other investment, real estate requires careful planning and a solid financial foundation to ensure long-term success. At BoiseTurnkey, we're determined to help you invest no matter where you're at! Here's a place to start, so you can confidently step into the world of real estate investment: Assess Your Current Financial Situation Before you embark on your real estate investment journey, it's crucial to have a clear, realistic understanding of your current financial situation. Start by taking a close look at your income, expenses, debts, and assets. Create a detailed budget to gain insight into your monthly cash flow. This will help you determine how much money you can comfortably allocate to real estate investments without jeopardizing your current financial stability. Set Clear Financial Goals What do you hope to achieve with your real estate investments? Are you looking for passive income, long-term capital appreciation, or a combination of both? Setting clear financial goals is essential to guide your investment decisions. Knowing your objectives will help you choose the right real estate opportunities and create strategies to achieve them. Build an Emergency Fund Real estate investments can come with unexpected expenses, such as repairs or vacancies. It's essential to build an emergency fund now to cover these unforeseen costs, without compromising your investment or your personal finances. Aim to save at least three to six months of living expenses in your emergency fund. Reduce High-Interest Debt High-interest debt, such as credit card balances, can be a significant barrier to real estate investment success. Before you start investing, paying down those high-interest debts. Reducing your debt load will free up more funds for investment and improve your overall financial health! Improve Your Credit Score When it comes to real estate investing, a healthy credit score is crucial. Lenders use your credit score to assess your creditworthiness and determine the interest rates you'll qualify for. Review your credit report, correct any errors, and take steps to improve your credit score by paying bills on time and reducing credit card balances. Create a Realistic Investment Budget Once you've assessed your financial situation and set clear goals, create a realistic investment budget. Determine how much you can comfortably invest in real estate without straining your finances. Remember to factor in not only the purchase price of properties but also ongoing expenses like property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and property management fees. Explore Financing Options Real estate investments often require significant capital, but you don't need to have all the money upfront. Explore various financing options , such as mortgages, loans, or partnerships with other investors . Choose the financing method that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. At BTK, we have clients that use a variety of investing methods, and we'd love to talk you through all your options for financing. Diversify Your Investments While real estate can be a valuable addition to your investment portfolio, it's important not to put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your investments across different asset classes to reduce risk. Real estate should complement your overall investment strategy, not dominate it. Continuously Educate Yourself Real estate is a dynamic field, and market conditions can change rapidly. To make informed investment decisions, commit to ongoing education. Attend seminars, read books, and stay updated on market trends and regulations. Knowledge is a valuable tool for successful real estate investing. Click here for a free, up-to-date Guide to Real Estate Investing in Boise! In conclusion, getting your finances in order is the first step toward a successful real estate investment journey. Take the time to assess your financial situation, set clear goals, and build a strong financial foundation. With careful planning and a well-thought-out strategy, you can confidently enter the world of real estate investment and work towards achieving your financial dreams.
09 Sep, 2023
Once you've been with Boise TurnKey for about five minutes, you know we are passionate about BRRRR Real Estate Investing. The first R is for Rehab (and all the terms that encompass the reality of taking an old, outdated, or simply gross house and making it a beautiful home.) Also known as house flipping, it's gained immense popularity in recent years as an enticing way to generate passive income through strategic investments. In this guide, we'll take you through the 5 Step basics of house flipping, and leave you with 5 tips for flipping success, providing you with a solid foundation to embark on your journey towards a successful BRRRR investment.
26 Jul, 2023
At Boise TurnKey, we’ve been BRRRRing before it had a name. While there are many ways to invest in real estate, BRRRR is the simplest way to get started with limited funds and resources. BRRRR is an acronym that stands for Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance and Repeat.  Is this your first rodeo? Don't think twice about it–we've put together an overview of the basics to get you on your way.
07 Jul, 2023
Warm air. Long nights. Seeing the city alive well after dark. Running around with friends and family just for fun. Sunscreen, pool time, and ice cream. Soaking up every possible moment outdoors.  Here at Boise Turnkey, summer is kind of a big deal. There are so many things to see and do, and we think everyone deserves a chance to enjoy the city of trees during its warmest months. Some might think going out of state is the best option for their summer vacation, but we’re here to argue otherwise! Need some convincing? We created a list of The 5 Best Things to Do in Boise in the Summer. Let’s dive in!
More Posts
Share by: