We’ve been inundated with calls over the past several weeks from investors who share a similar story.

The conversation goes something like this.

“I need help. I own a few properties in Indianapolis and I haven’t received rent in (fill in the blank) months. No one is returning my calls. I feel like I’ve been scammed.”

For the most part, these homes are located in some of the worst areas of Indianapolis. I’ve used this illustration in the past to describe it best… picture the worst parts of Indianapolis and then picture the worst homes inside those neighborhoods.

Generally, those are the homes we’re discussing.

And inevitably, as we further discuss things with the investor, we learn that they were using Oceanpointe to manage their homes.

Vacancies present quite a challenge to Real Estate investors.

And in spite of your best efforts, vacancy is inevitable. No matter how good of a Landlord you are, Tenants are eventually going to move. And when they do, it's critical to minimize that vacancy as much as possible.

Tenant turnover is a big expense for many Landlords in the first place. And if you can't get the property re-rented in a reasonable amount of time, lost rents, cleaning costs, maintenance and advertising will compound the Vacancy Effect.  

In a previous blog we discussed ways to increase Tenant retention, and today we are going to share some ways you can reduce down time between Tenants.

Security Deposits are extremely important. 

Important to you as the Landlord, and important to your Tenant, because it's their money... until it isn't.

In fact, my guess is if you polled Property Management Companies around the country, the majority would say Security Deposits generate the most friction in their businesses. 

So, you need to have strong processes around Security Deposits, understand your state and local laws and still be prepared for some battles along the way.

Today, we thought we would discuss best practices concerning Security Deposit and provide some additional insight into how Indiana operates (or fails to operate, in some cases).

Nearly every time we speak to new Landlords, the subject of evictions comes up.

It’s a hot button topic.

A topic that creates anxiety.  

And an issue that pushes many Landlords into hiring a Property Manager. 

For this week’s blog, I thought I would lay out exactly what’s required to file eviction in Central Indiana, along with some helpful tips if you ever have to file.

If you've been an investor for any period of time, you know the importance of choosing the right things. 

The right Realtor. 

The right property. 

The right Property Manager. 

The right vendors. 

Etc., etc., etc., 

These individuals and companies can make or break your investment experience. It's important to get into business with people who know what they're doing and have your best interest at heart. 

I know a lot of people will read the headline of this blog and move right along to something else.

Because, in reality, there’s definitely a segment of investors - particularly new investors - who aren’t in the position to actually pay cash for an investment property… at least an investment property that’s habitable and in a respectable area.

But, for those of you in the position where you could pay all cash for an investment home, I’m sure you’ve debated the idea of paying cash, or using a mortgage - leverage - to help pay for the property.

This is a long-standing debate in the investment world and one that really doesn’t have a magic bullet answer.

At the end of the day, the answer all comes down to your personal needs and wants and what makes the best sense for you as an investor.

So, I thought I would spend some time discussing Pros/Cons of both and also talk about how we’ve used both over the years during our investment ventures.