UPDATE: I bought this property March 2013 for $187,000, did $55,000 in repairs, lived in one of the units until January 2016, rented the other for $900. I've got $242,000 invested in it, and it now rents for $1800/mo total. Expenses, including mortgage principle, have been averaging $1,500/mo...

I agree that it is confusing as well. For instance: How/where do I find a link to the blog? I come onto the forum: no link unless I find it in a discussion thread such as this one. I go to the main page...no link. What gives? Maybe it's me. Tootse.

I removed the carpet, replaced the treads with wood (you may be able to salvage yours), painted them, then glued on vinyl stair treads. There are many options for the types of glue-on treads. They can be replaced if they become worn. They are not slippery as sometimes wood and vinyl can be...

Today, I was offered 3.09% on a 5 yr fixed, or 2.5% 5 yr variable. Both Scotiabank.

Do you currently own or rent?

To the OP, proceed cautiously, because the risks Greg outlines here are definitely something to consider. Tootse

You could ask them what would make them happy? Maybe you'll get an unsatisfactory response, but on the other hand you may hear a reasonabe solution. Tootse

My house that I moved out of is 7 years old also, however, it is valued much less than yours at about $300000 and is a duplex (legal basement apartment). Brings in $1900 in rent total. After mortgage, insurance, taxes and water (which you may have missed in your calculation) it cash flows...

Thoroughly run the numbers, and get a complete understanding of the financial advantages/disadvantages of each scenario. Others with much better knowledge and experience than I will hopefully chime in about the financing side. However, I have found, having recently just gone through what you...

What is she stating as her source of income?

The value after it is repaired would be $250000. Aha, re-financing to get the money back is something I didn't think of. Thanks Thomas. Does this mean that I get it re-appraised at say $250000, 80% of which is $200000. With the mortgage principle at about $190000, this would mean I could...

Hi everyone, I am looking at purchasing an up/down duplex bungalow style for $190000. It needs about $40000 in renos, after which it can rent for $800 down and $1K up. Coming up with the 20% downpayment is going to be a challenge. I hope to use the equity from my current primary residence...

I was hoping I could get your thoughts on this 'strategy'. After 4 complete years into my 35 yr mortgage, I am considering my options for renewing next year. My inlaw suite rents for $700 per month. My current mortgage is about $800 per month ($1100 with property taxes). I am considering...

Considering electrical demands, weight of plant and soil and water, and exhausting of moisture (of which there is a lot of), I would think that concerns raised by a property owner related to these things might allow one to say no, not allowed on my property. Old houses may not have elcetrical...

I am becoming more and more aware of people who are growing medical marijuana legally by way of government permitting/licensing/approval. If a tenant is seeking to do this, and asks your permission (apparently there is a requirement for the homeowner to sign if the applicant is renting the...