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Articles by Jules Aton
finding better opportunities in properties that need work or move-in-ready rentals?
Forum Categories All Member since 2025 · 347 posts · 88 votes MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes 28m With the exception of my current home that was a consumption item, done by a well known reputable builder I have always purchased properties that required some amount of work. It was a necessity when I was starting out and had little money and held up as I realized there should always be a value add for renovation.
PMs and Pet Fees
Forum Categories All MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes Very small sample size, end of summer into shoulder season however notable as all but 1 guest have brought dogs and not one has checked the pet box which can be elusive as they have all mentioned dogs just didn't add the fee. Prior to this the pet fees collected were averaging 20% of bookings which didn't make sense.
Bethany Beach Boardwalk Visitor Guide — What to Know Before You Go
Forum Categories All Member since 2026 · 1 post · 0 votes MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes 31m Beautiful area. Shame they don't allow dogs on the beach after hours in season. Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
When Did $10,000 Become “Only $10,000”?
Forum Categories All New to Real Estate · Miami, FL · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 465 votes Real Estate Consultant · Lehigh Valley PA & New York City · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 668 votes 38m MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes 26m I have reframed everything to be 2xs what it used to cost and what I feel it should cost so that $10,000 is now $5,000 in my mind.
Hello Everyone! New to BiggerPockets 馃憢
Forum Categories All Wholesaler 路 US, VA 路 Member since 2026 路 4 posts 路 0 votes MD/DC 路 Member since 2024 路 1k+ posts 路 1k+ votes 37m Hi and welcome! Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
Managing rehab as an out of state investor
Forum Categories All Member since 2026 · 1 post · 0 votes MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes 59m I went multiple times during the rehab process. Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
If You Own Multiple Rentals, What Records Are Hardest to Keep Organized?
Forum Categories All Virtual Assistant · Member since 2026 · 32 posts · 3 votes MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes 47m Vendor and misc supply receipts SponsoredBiggerPockets Find an investor-friendly agent in your market TODAY Get matched with our network of trusted, local, investor friendly agents in under 2 minutes Find an Agent Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
New here: learn real estate after buying property
Forum Categories All New to Real Estate · Los Angeles · Member since 2026 · 1 post · 0 votes MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes 16m Hi and welcome. Appreciate you sharing your experience and yup unfortunately negative RE experiences can slap hard. I went from decades of rehabs and LTR to STRs and it has been humbling for sure. If you post the area in GA perhaps someone will weigh in.
4 property portfolio struggling to stabilize. What would you do?
Forum Categories All Member since 2022 · 8 posts · 6 votes Accountant · San Francisco, CA · Member since 2026 · 82 posts · 41 votes 32m MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes 30m You will need to be realistic about your finances and the properties. If one or more of these isn't going to be a viable rental or appreciate nicely avoid sunk cost fallacy.
House hack in Payson?
Forum Categories All Member since 2020 · 1 post · 0 votes I have a Two floor rental in Payson that I'm considering selling that I've owned for about 5 years with long-term renter on top floor and short-term renter on bottom. I'm thinking about selling and wondering if I should try to rent to a new party on the top before selling or let the lease expire to market for the buyer to do their own house hack?
Want to use my current house to invest.
Forum Categories All Bethlehem, Allentown PA · Member since 2021 · 1 post · 0 votes Hello, I own a house and still paying my mortgage, don't have a job, but i want to buy another one to move into with my family. But the current one I own, I want to fix it up and use it as an investment property. Don't know what to do first.
What would a realistic timeline look like for REI?
Forum Categories All Member since 2026 · 6 posts · 0 votes My goal is to make enough passive income where I won't have to work a full time job and ideally not have to work a w-2 at all. MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes 32m In my opinion it takes a lot of time and money. Variables include how much money you have to start, what kind of RE you pursue and how much you need to support your lifestyle.
How much of my time would REI take up?
Forum Categories All Member since 2026 · 6 posts · 0 votes I work around 45-65 hours a week I just want to see if this is something I could do or will I have to open up time. I also want to know how flexible is scheduling and if there would be any scheduling problems with having a full-time job. MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes 43m 45-65h is a large spread.
VRBO moves from Hosts on Subscription (PPS) to Pay Per Bookinng (PPB)
Forum Categories All Boulder, CO · Member since 2023 · 171 posts · 95 votes MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes 35m I got the 12% email also and agree it was vague. Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
Developers: 18 Condos vs. 4 Vacation Homes in Pigeon Forge — Which Pencils Better?
Forum Categories All Rental Property Investor · Pigeon Forge, TN · Member since 2011 · 54 posts · 26 votes 0 votes total $1.499M works for the 18-unit condo concept $1.499M works for the 4-home concept The land price needs to be lower — comment with the price that works I'd pursue a different concept — comment with what you'd build MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes 53m Would be worth posting in STR section to get @CollinHayes attention. He's our SM guru.
Best investments to make before Real Estate
Forum Categories All New to Real Estate · CO · Member since 2026 · 1 post · 0 votes I am currently too young and don’t have enough money saved up to invest in real estate and was wondering what I should do to save up for my first real estate investment a little down the road? MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes 26m Smart to plan in advance. I would consider splitting in a high yield savings account and low fee total stock market index fund like VTSAX or SCHB.
Forum Categories All Contractor · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2019 · 3 posts · 0 votes Contractor · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2019 · 3 posts · 0 votes 30m **Comps.** Quick look at the numbers around it: as-is shell comps in West Baltimore — 2533 Boyd St at $13,200 (Oct 2025), 2537 Boyd St at $16,100 (Sep 2025), and 2516 W Fairmount Ave at $30,000 (Apr 2026). That puts as-is value roughly $13k–$30k, most likely around $20k–$25k.
Let's talk about pets in your rental! How do you manage it?
Forum Categories All Rental Property Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2018 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes Forest Lake, MN · Member since 2017 · 21 posts · 11 votes 36m I think this is a solid approach if you're truly not super concerned about dogs, and they've been good tenants (sounds like they are). Allowing pets is a good way to keep tenants as not everywhere does. I lean more towards what you did, work with the tenants, hold them accountable, and put the proper guidelines in place.
Utilities - How you manage water bill
Forum Categories All Member since 2025 · 2 posts · 1 vote MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes 36m I have always kept it in my name but per lease tenants responsible and nonpayment constitutes a breach. It wasn’t ever a problem. Is it possible to separate the lines? Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes 20m I don't have a duplex, but for water it is in my name and I pay the bill. I send a copy to the tenants and they reimburse me.
Tenant used stored flooring for garage gym – Discontinued material & repair options?
Forum Categories All Investor · Lake Oswego, OR · Member since 2016 · 11 posts · 3 votes MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes 24m Sounds like they are long term tenants? I’d be super annoyed but more likely to look the other way if good tenants. Can you pull up the floor they put down in garage and use that to replace the damaged areas? Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
VRBO Opted In Member Only Discounts
Forum Categories All MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes By default I was opted into members’ discounts on VRBO which I subsequently had to log in and delete. As if them changing my hero shot to a pic of the outdoor shower wasn’t enough. I guess I need to start reading my emails to ensure I opt out of their meddling in the future. Someone give me a heads up if they are offering a promo where their fee is discounted cause that is one I would welcome.
Are Today’s Housing Market Conditions Starting to Feel Like 2008?
Forum Categories All Bellevue, Wilmington Delaware · Member since 2026 · 33 posts · 4 votes MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes 58m I suspect we will see a correction but probably not drops to the extent of 2008. It is different with regard to lending however I think people have maxed out what they can comfortably afford which is problematic if there is any hiccup, What I find interesting is I’m no longer hearing about an inventory problem which I suspected was over inflated anyway.
A STR in Orlando Could Be Your Savior in 2026/2027
Forum Categories All Realtor · FL · Member since 2020 · 221 posts · 101 votes New to Real Estate · NY · Member since 2026 · 22 posts · 17 votes 29m I am a brand new investor looking to kick start my real estate journey. Kissimmee was actually on my radar. I am definitely curious on this. Realtor · FL · Member since 2020 · 221 posts · 101 votes 13m For a long time I advised against it, it’s only recently I see the opportunity.
How Would You Leverage a Paid-Off Primary Residence to Build a Rental Portfolio?
Forum Categories All Real Estate Agent · Member since 2022 · 1 post · 0 votes MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes 37m I was taught decades ago to not to touch or tie up my residence. Paying off one’s mortgage has some pluses notably from an asset protection standpoint in my state but on the flip side it sounds like you are top heavy. Unfortunately the time to refi in your case would have been 5 years ago when rates were in the 2s and 3s.
Late Starter - 2nd Property -First STR in San Antonio — 3BR Near Lackland AFB
Forum Categories All Member since 2025 · 5 posts · 4 votes MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes 13m Congratulations! I found it to be a fairly significant learning curve going from LTR to STR but it has been ok overall especially because I'm using mine as personal vacation spots also. If you post a link I'm sure you would garner some valuable design advice. The thing that stuck out to me, and maybe it is just a me thing, is the 1 bathroom.
Where should I start with funding a down payment for my first house hack?
I'm 22 and looking to buy my first property in the East Valley/Phoenix area. My goal is to house hack using an FHA loan, ideally purchasing a 3–4 bedroom property and eventually building a rental portfolio from it. My biggest obstacle right now is the down payment and closing costs. I have some savings, but I’m trying to avoid draining my reserves just to get into the property.
Condo left to me
Forum Categories All New to Real Estate · Columbus Ohio · Member since 2022 · 3 posts · 0 votes Good morning just wanted to say hello and I really enjoy reading all the advice and expertise people are giving. I have a condo that was left to me and I would like to leverage it to start building a portfolio one by one. I just got othe condo rent ready and presently looking for a renter. It’s not paid off completely but there is not much owed 14k .
How Much Is Certainty Worth?
You have two offers. One buyer offers $310,000. Financing contingency. Inspection contingency. Appraisal contingency. Forty-five days to close. The other offers $300,000. Few conditions. Clean offer. Can close in ten days. Which one do you take? Most of us immediately think: “That's $10,000.” And maybe that's already the wrong way to look at it. Because these aren't really two prices for the same thing. One buyer is offering something pretty close to $300,000.
"Last Reply" links not working on threads, and also
Forum Categories All Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes ...it is inconvenient to not be able, when writing a post, to scroll the thread down to see the post you are responding to. It seems now we have to scroll all the way back up. I do like the overall new look... and the addition of Forum Rules! Not that bots read them...but... MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes 36m I miss that feature.
Your cleaner may be the last person protecting your next five-star review.
The guest may never meet the cleaner. But they experience the cleaner's work. Cleanliness. Presentation. Fresh supplies. Property condition. Maintenance issues. And sometimes, the cleaner is the first person who notices that something isn't right. That's why cleaning coordination is more than sending someone an address and a checkout time.
Seeking Honest Advice on a Baltimore Mid Term Rentals
Hi everyone! I’m a nurse originally from the Baltimore area but I currently live in Los Angeles. I'm considering purchasing my first property in Baltimore. I want to buy a rowhome as a furnished mid-term rental and would really appreciate advice from investors who know the local market. My ideal tenants would primarily be traveling medical professionals, visiting faculty, relocating professionals, and families of patients receiving care at Johns Hopkins, UMMC, Mercy, or other Baltimore hospitals.
Fractional Ownership Model for Vacation Rentals
Of all the people here on BiggerPockets, do any of you follow a fractional ownership model when it comes to vacation rentals where your primary goal is use rather than profits? In other words, have any of you ever gotten together with friends or family to buy a really cool property that you want to own so they you can use it for vacations, etc. and then you rent it out as a vacation rental in order to cover the costs of the property?
A no-pets policy usually costs more than the pets do
No-pets is the default for a lot of owners. Feels like the safe call. The vacancy math tends to say otherwise. Two things that rarely get weighed before "no pets" goes on the listing. First, the pool it cuts. Around 58% of renters have a pet now, up from 46% before the pandemic. Zillow ran 11 million listings last year and pet-friendly units leased about 8 days faster. Pet owners also tend to stay put, since finding another place that takes the dog is a hassle.
Row House Baltimore
St. Marys, GA · Member since 2016 · 154 posts Investment Info: Townhouse wholesale investment. Cash invested: $55,000 Row house, Baltimore. Vacant and needs rehab. Make an offer. What made you interested in investing in this type of deal? Bad deal through Safeguard Partners.
how are you finding semi move in ready single family homes at prices to profit
Im currently looking at single family homes in Phoenix,az , im a first time homebuyer and looking to live in the house some time, then rent it out, buy another house rinse wash repeat, having no experience at all in REA im looking at single family houses in average areas of Phx and vicinity, 3bdr, 1br +, 1000sft min, max $300k, i am working with a realtor and loan lender (broker and bank), already put offers in the range of $275 and got accepted but sadly at the moment i had issues with my...
Would You Build New or Buy Existing?
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with . Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Excited New Member
Good afternoon, BiggerPockets community, I'm excited to be a member and looking forward to be a resource and a funding source for all your real estate investment needs. Thank you.
New to the site
I am new to Bigger Pockets. I joined because eventhough I have been a residential real esate agent for 7 years, I want to guide my investor clients better. I live in the Bay Area and am a home owner and landlord. I recently helped a client buy a gas station with convenience store that was absolute NNN. I was impressed that he could recieve rent checks with no landlord obligations, with land appreciation, and accelerated deprciation. I hope to learn more real estate investing tips on this site.
Your highest-earning night might not be your busiest night.
It's easy to look at a full calendar and think: "We're doing great." But occupancy only tells part of the story. A property can be nearly full while pricing is too low. Another property can have fewer occupied nights but generate stronger revenue because its rates are better aligned with demand. That's why I don't think hosts should look at occupancy alone.
Very first property bought with business partner
Skip to content Pro Perks are only available to annual Pro members. Upgrade to unlock them now. What's included in Pro Perks ~$5,000+ potential annual value Investor loan & insurance discounts Property management & banking/ bookkeeping subscriptions Savings on home renovation materials Get industry-leading resources — for free Unlock resources for every investing strategy and stage with a free account.
Are other people really people? Or merely objects?
I’ve encountered this all day today. People lying, not returning phone calls, angling for something. Trying to leverage me for something extra. Something more. We have reached a low point in our society. Everyone but me is an object; an obstacle preventing me from getting what I want (more $$$). It matters not whether I lie, steal, and cheat. It’s all about getting as much as I can, from whom I can, while I can.
A Happy Seller
Hey just a really quick win I'd like to celebrate here. I have a seller who is buying another house. The house she currently owns needed to be sold before the purchase could happen. The house in question was in rough shape. However after a few weeks of work I was able to connect my seller to a fix and flipper who got us a solid offer. Working with investors as both a Realtor and Property Manager has opened several doors for me.
28 Years Old, $200K to Invest—What Would You Do?
I’m 28 years old and looking for some advice from investors who have been where I’m at. Right now, I own my first investment property, which was a house hack. My fiancée and I are getting married soon, and we’re planning to sell her house. After the sale, we expect to have around $200,000 in equity available to invest. I also recently earned my real estate license. At the moment, I work a blue-collar job, but my long-term goal is to transition into real estate full-time.
Do you think out-of-state turnkey investments are too advanced for new investors?
Out-of-state turnkey investing can be a great strategy, but do you think it is sometimes marketed as being easier than it actually is? For a new investor, one of the biggest challenges is knowing what you don’t know. How do you thoroughly vet a builder? How do you evaluate the quality of construction when you are hundreds or thousands of miles away?
Ring Front Door Monitoring
I tried searching and didn't have much luck so thanks in advance if you are repeating advice already given. Do you have a ring or some type of video on the front door? I'm thinking of monitoring number of occupants and for unregistered dogs. Although I almost wonder if better to don't ask don't tell rather than engage.
Can a Luxury STR 35min from Manhattan Produce a 29% 5yr IRR? Here's the Analysis
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Which STR markets got materially harder and which are not to operate ?
I've been mapping permit, tax, and enforcement rules across a bunch of US markets, and the gap between "high revenue potential" and "actually operable" is widening fast. Some 2022-darling markets are now capped, lottery-gated, or actively enforcing in ways that change the whole underwriting picture.
First rental property help!
Skip to content Pro Perks are only available to annual Pro members. Upgrade to unlock them now. What's included in Pro Perks ~$5,000+ potential annual value Investor loan & insurance discounts Property management & banking/ bookkeeping subscriptions Savings on home renovation materials Get industry-leading resources — for free Unlock resources for every investing strategy and stage with a free account.
Biggest headaches for landlords
Hello everybody, I've been working in property management and property maintenance for the past 6 years. I wanted to start a property management company but Iowa requires an agent to be licensed under a broker to negotiate 3rd party owner contracts and leases. I've talked to 40 brokerages in the area and nobody seems to want the risk associated with brokering a management company. I'm researching a way to pivot and lean more towards property operations until I can get my brokers license.
Personal Home Turned into Rental But Need to Sell
I purchased a condo in 2024 at $178,000 for my personal residence. I used seller financing with $10,000 down, $168,000 loan at 4% for 15 years. As I had planned to stay there indefinitely, I liked the low entry cost, low rate, and fast principle pay down. Monthly: PI $1243, HOA $386, taxes $290, insurance $100 = $2019 monthly cost, not including any maintenance, etc. In the fall of 2025 I decided I needed to be closer to my aging parents, so I rented the condo out at the then market rent of $1400.
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