EdwinLibreros

I used to work for a municipality in plans review and code/law enforcement. I would reccommend you contact via phone the "local authority having jurisdiction" over zoning of the parcel you are interested in (usually called the building department sometimes called community development). You should probably note who has authority over it, it may be in county AND/OR the city and may be subject to more than one zoning and or development plan.

You probably should get/note the address,business hours, phone number (and extension(s)) and the name of someone who works there that you can get to assist you (make an appoinment if necceswsary.)Get info on parking...where and how much take change as needed.

Usually the records will be in the form of maps held "in the zoning office" they should be public record but they probably will "have to" charge you a fee if you want copies this is usually "cash" though may take check I'd get a receipt.

I reccomend that you go and let them "show you" how to locate the exact parcel you are interested in(as well as the adjacent parcels/take note of all) on the map rather than just getting the info over the telephone.

Also, I reccomend you try to get a list of all the zoning "codes" for future reference. They may have a "packet" they give investors/developers with this info in it.

I.E.: For example here "R-1" is (or was) single family residential only. Other zoning "codes" may be listed "commercial" but may be limited to certain specific "types" of "occupancies" the list should tell you what (and how many of them) can be located in what zoning designation. I recommend you get a list of requirements for the zoning category also. I.E.: where I worked commercial occupancies "could" build from property line to property line (under certain circumstances) but had to provide a visual barrier (usually a 6' concrete fence to separate that property from any "residential" zoned properties adjacent to it.

Keep in mind that zoning "can" be changed usually by convincing the "powers that be" that it is a better deal for them, i,e: more tax revenue from the resultant permitted business than that which it is now approved for. Also there are things called "variances" which allow for previously non-permitted uses to be done on a particular property subject to certain limitations/restrictions/conditions acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

I would also ask to see any future "planned development" these are usually an accepted/approved plan for future development i.e.: a housing subdivision and should include information on designated lands for schools, right-of-ways, police, fire parks, streets and water/sewer, power, zoning, etc.

At least the above are the it work(s/ed) here.

I would advise you to try make friends with the person helping you and even send a quick thank you note the next day. Make a good impression and get them to remember you i.e.: ask them if it would be okay to buy them a cup of coffee or a cold drink while they are working "with" you.

That way the next time you do call them they will remember who you are and will feel more inclined to treat you better than someone who calls up, asks for the zoning on a certain address, says thanks and hangs up.

This kind of stuff worked on me.

John

Hello I have not stepped into the investment arena at this time. I remain in the study/education mode. I have to attain a certain level of knowledge before I jump. Made too many mistakes in the past.

But I really just wanted to say welcome. I believe you will find so much information here and plenty of people willing to help and guide you along the way.

Reach for the Stars

I have i.r.a. money that, if I could do the above would allow me to pay off my mortgage (with pre tax money ($ savings), make payments to myself at a lower interest rate drop from 7% to say 4%, ($ savings) and all the interest I do pay would comes off my "regular income" as a deduction ($ savings) and that interest going into the i.r.a. (as mortgage interest would not be taxable until drawn out as i.r.a. distributions ($ savings as income should drop with corporations etc once I am up and running)

My second "part" of this question is can you in effect sell yourself your primary residence for more than what is owed on the mortgage(s) and call it "loan proceeds" and not "profit" so you don't create a "taxable event"?

The fact is my mortgage is only about 60% of my i.r.a. total (which is still less than the value of the home which I suppose I could support with an appraisal which would satisfy "me" as "I" AM going to be the bank in this transaction and I really feel I could utilize the difference to jump start my r.e. investment business.

I appreciate any comments especially from anyone who has actually done this.

Every time I have asked about a r.e. based i.r.a. my i.r.a.guys start tap dancing around the subject and throwing out things like "you have to get an appraisal every year on every property" and stuff like that.

Thanks for all the great info...

I'm still a newbie though...

Glad to be here!

John Sims

it was very helpful and very much appreciate....thanks for taking the time.

i will definetly do everything you have taking the time to share with me and keep you on my buddy list =)

god bless and i will keep in touch

i am the same way!!!

"reach for the stars" reminds me of a verse ludacris says " reach your hand up and play with the stars....its not the the hand that your delt but how you playin your cards"