Thanks for your links and recommendations :) I have read through both multiple times already! (REIN LIFE magazine is a highlight piece of mail for me) With my husband being American, most of the information was helpful, but not applicable in the same way as we are able to separate the two...

We've done a few suites in Edmonton and have always drawn them ourselves. It takes a bit of time- but there are several free programs to download that help. While sitting in line I've seen most plans rejected are the ones that don't have all the information. Regardless of which path you choose...

Thanks Thomas- books-- there are so many more that deal with American markets than Canadian! So I was hoping for some favourites that had sound principles. (Id like to avoid spending money or my very limited time on books/blogs/people that don't treat real estate like a business, that skip over...

Hello, I've been searching through some of the feeds, and reading many of the posts regarding investing in the USA- but most of what I have found has been a few years back. My situation is a bit different as my husband is American, and so we have access to American financing/business start up...

As a side note of consideration- the lot usually still contains a tear down- so you have to account for the removal of the old house- many which will need asbestos removal- it can be very costly. Only throwing it out there as "construction costs" would not include the house removal costs and...

I was shocked when she told me. They started at 1200, and the pm insisted it needed to be lowered or sit empty. I only use personal kijiji to advertise. But I'm quick to respond, personable, and genuine about if my suite fits their needs. So that may have something to do with it. As pointed...

I totally think that a poor pm can cause vacancies. We recently had a comparable property to a friend. I manage mine and it was filled within 2 weeks of posting for $1300 plus utilities. She has a pm... And it sat vacant for 6 months finally renting for 950. This is in the same neighbourhood...

Something to consider is where it is located and laws around managing a property you don't have a percentage of ownership in. I only own in Alberta- so I don't know what the other provinces are like, but if you aren't a professional/certified manager, you need to have an ownership stake to...

In our contracts with up/down suites the yards are divided and each tenant is required to cut the grass on their side. If the tenants don't want to cut the grass, they can pay for it to be cut. As the landlord we provide the lawn mower if they don't own one when they move in. We currently live...

The Edmonton inspectors for our legal suites the last two have mentioned that Edmonton is working hard to fine and shut down illegal suites... If they find out that you have a suite (neighbour or real estate ad, even rental ads have been used) they may come....

What are you putting in? How much between the three of you do you have to throw out? Is it General decluttering? Renovations? (If renovations what are you doing).... The size you need will all depend on what everyone needs it for. If sharing with 3 people... I'd go with the largest in general-...

I live in Edmonton. $1000 a lot for a sniffer dog! I called several places and I'm pretty sure the highest was $250. I thought I was clear that I did not know if a commercial steamer would work, but that I would waste money trying to find out. I calculate the risk of trying a method that may...

We had bedbugs in one of our units. I have no idea if that would work- but personally I wouldn't risk it. I would get bedbug dogs in all the units to make sure they really are contained to that one room- then address the issue. My friend has bedbugs because the apartment below her had them and...

We've looked into home automation through Rodgers... I wasn't planning on considering it- but had a referral to follow through on and talked with the representative. Lots of ways that would help protect our houses better as a landlord (sewer back up/fire/furnace issues... Utility monitoring...

True Thomas :) I think when I was asking about the 4plex he (my brother) did last time (6 years ago) actual cost was $70 a sft! Lol but that was actual cost not mark up. When I asked him for single family he said $200 was above what it would actually cost unless high end finishes and design...

The $600,000 mark- is that including the land price? Or just the buildings? Rough start would be $200 a sft (it can be less, or more depending on variables but from what I've been told it's a safe estimating number) The end price tag is dictated largely by what size, style and finishes you...

Where are you located?

If it's a mother in-law suite it's different. I'm not sure where you are, but I would call your city and ask about requirements for in-law suites. In Edmonton I was told it isn't illegal if they are related to you, and have access to the whole house... Basically as Thomas pointed out- it just a...

I love this thread! Mostly because of the idea bouncing! Makes me feel less crazy as I'm constantly coming up with ideas that those in my non-investment group finds crazy! Anyway- I'm winding a few things: - buy now asap the new build you mentioned or better - a bigger new build. you...

Only an opinion: I think all those that have weighed in have valid points to consider. Ultimately- it totally depends on your end goal. I believe you said that your 5 year plan was to have 2 rentals then your personal home. I would say that the "safest" route would be to purchase another...