Ideas For Property
I'm looking for ideas on what to do with this property.
I've driven past this abandoned house for over a year now. It looks like a larger single family house about 50 years old or so - all boarded up. I've never seen anybody around it and it has never been worked on during that time.
It's immediately off a major road (4 lanes), across from a gas station and next to a series of small houses that are being used for businesses. Within easy walking distance is a Toyota dealership, Benningans restaurant, and large strip mall. The property backs up to railroad tracks. The lot seems to be quite large - about 3/4 acre.
The house looks like it is in need of major rehabbing.
Any ideas? I've thought about rehabbing and selling as a SFR but not sure that would work because of the proximity to RR tracks and businesses. I don't think rezoning would be a big deal..
Roger 
Find out who owns the place by looking up who pays the taxes at your county assessor's office. Then contact that person. You may have to do a skip trace if you have no idea how to find them. This would run you about $20.
Ryan J. Schnabel
I would also check to see what the current zoning of the property is. Rezoning any property is no slam dunk. It might be more trouble (and money) than it's worth.
Perform the initial due diligence already mentioned, then return to us and we can offer additional advice.
Eric & Rosa
[addsig]
I found a similar property in my area over the weekend. I am new to all this but new or not I know I would never want to live anywhere that backed up to railroad tracks! Keep that in mind while your figuring your numbers. As a SFR, you may have to consider selling substantially below market. Just a thought.
Good Luck!
Sickdog
Sickdog
Oh my god you have found a treasure. Yes the Rail Road Tracks do add that certain touch. The nearness of shops. Perfect. Perfect. An Antique Shop ! !
Find the owner and buy it or long term lease it for very little and option to buy as you get rich.
Wizz around all the old houses in the neighborhood. Have them give you all the stuff they hate. Grandfathers spitoon, Grandmothers corset with the whale bones and strings up the back, People wear them over dresses along with black lip stick and died Orange hair. Oh you will have so much fun. You fix it up slowly, keep the gaunt slightly haunted look. As to zoning. Just ask for a Variance and shove it hard. You are poor you will be living in the house. You comune with ghosts. Free readings to all customers who spend over $10.
You will have fun and on consignment make money. Whatever you get, cut the price again to those who gave you the goods to sell.
Remember the high laced pointy boots that women wore a 100 years ago? Well now young girls cut the tops off and cut the shoe laces down and wear them. very in very sheik.
I hope this makes your day. My best to the old house. I love them.
Lucius
Thanks for all the initial tips. I will do some digging on the house after my vacation which is coming up next week. Let's see what happens.