Rental:Shaky but moving forward

Tenants, in the residential rental, seem to be regular late payers. How they live this way, is beyond me. I would go crazy paying my bills late.

Not only that, they are paying me late fees. Late fees that could cover their electric bill in size. They will never get ahead, if they don't rectify this soon. Paying extra is just putting another block in front of them towards success.

On a good note, I am receiving the rents. My financials say this will be the most profitable year since I acquired this property. As of today, I have 1 month in advance paid on the mortgage and money left in the bank. Plus, I took about $85 from the extra late fees and paid down the mortgage a bit more.

That measly $84.46 saves me 1¢ a day in interest expense.

Add that $84.46 to the $168.09 I prepaid earlier, and I am now saving:

• 4¢ a day
• $1.29 a month
• $15.69 a year

Not much, but when you figure out this is all a bonus to my everyday cash flow, it sure is SWEET!

I'm taking the rest of the extra fees and using them to fund a business savings at ING, if anyone emails me a link. :-) Hoping to build up enough to cover annual bills, without my personal funds and keeping it separate. Too much cash movement is making me crazy.

One perk from tenant late fees

A couple dollars were received in late fees from the tenants. I found myself wonder what to do with this un-budgeted money. I could:

• reimburse myself for cash I pushed into the property in vacant times.
• let it ride as a cushion in the account, which is a money market account, paying nearly nothing anymore.
• or, use it for property taxes due the beginning of the month.

I already have the dollars for taxes in savings at HSBC & ING. I also made it without the cash I plopped into the company so far. And the thought of riding the dough on an almost invisible interest rate makes me crazy.

So, this morning I left the NSF fee in there, making it technically no effect on me. And I used all but $3 dollars to pay extra on the principal of the mortgage. Rounding my loan to even zero's in the tens, ones and cents. With this being a commercial loan at 6.25%, I really feel like I am gaining something for my stress from this.

The payment I made was for $168.09. This saves me 2.9¢ in interest expense every day. SWEET! That $10.59 a year in savings, may not be much, but to me it is a step towards freedom. Without a pinch on the pocketbook. Since, my loans and bills were covered and their late fees amounted to extra income for the company.

Help I Can't Get Up!

I fainted instantly! I have a rather large goose egg on the back of my head. The room is still spinning. I am still spinning in disbelief!

I logged in this morning, as usual to my bank and was delightfully surprised to see that the tenant that only made a partial payment, went to the bank and deposited the rest. SWEET! They even put in the late fees. I guess in their case, as I suspected, it was just a financial squeeze and not a way of life.

This is why I did not issue a 5 day demand for them. They have paid me "almost" as specified. I'm hoping, if things get ironed out to do something for them at Christmas time. Like a gift card and possibly a rent reduction.

I know, this is unheard of, but if they are going to be good tenants - I want to keep them. These kinds of moves can make for HAPPY tenants, which to me are priceless after all I have been through.

I received a text message yesterday from the new tenants where I was promised payment today. It was not in the account at this time.

When I returned from picking up the boys from football and taking them to Taco Bell, I checked my accounts again. As I was logging in to the system, I closed my eyes and whispered a prayer.

Honestly, this is what I did. As much for them as myself. I wouldn't wish financial hardship on anyone.

When I opened my eyes, my world went black. That is when I fell on my hardwood floors. I would have cried, if I wasn't so darn elated. They paid the rent, the NSF charge and $25 dollars in late fees. Okay, they shorted the late fees by $25, but I'm happy to see an effort. If the effort continues I may eliminate the rest of the late fees.

Or if for some miracle of the day, they chose to pay these dollars later, my gratitude will turn those dollars into an Aldi (if they have them) or a Walmart gift card so they can get some groceries.

In my perfect world, I can give back. I just need to know they will do their part. I've been screwed so many times. If I can pay the bills and have something left, I'd rather give it to them all.

Ever since first becoming a residential landlord, I've had one little dream. Kind of goofy, but something I would want to do. I have always wanted to be the type of landlord that brought over turkeys on Thanksgiving and gave Gift Cards on Christmas.

Maybe some day, my little property will break even or become profitable and I can do what my soul wishes to do.

1 Clause I'm Glad I Have!

This week is not going good. I am busting my arse trying to get everything done, that landed in my path while I was gone. I'm beginning to believe some of these issues became an opportunity for folks to take advantage of us.

The new tenants, as of last night, have been issued a 5-Day Demand. I'm not sitting on this. I'm not showing compassion. Why?

Well, my only excuse is that they lied to me. This may have worked with others, but I know how banking works and it does not work with me. Instead, it was like pouring gasoline on my temper and watching it explode.

I made contact on Monday, regarding the NSF rent check. At which time I received no concrete answers. In fact, the woman spinned a very tangled web of excuses. Without ever pin-pointing the end for this.

Synopsis:

• Met with new tenants on 7/31 - to give keys and get rent for August.
• Tenant came with keys and no rent.
• I told tenant to go get rent and I would wait (yes, I am patient).
• Tenant brought a check and I proceeded into my vacation preparations.
• The next day, 8/1, I went to the bank for regular business. I asked a teller (friend) to hold their check and not deposit it until 8/4. Explaining that I wanted to give them time. Which she most graciously did - since I was out of town.
• 8/5 the check hit their account and bounced like a super ball.

All this while I am on vacation. For which, we did not return until the 9th (almost the 10th). In the mean time - a red flag for me. If you have ever bounced a check on accident, which I have, you know that you (the check writer) are told this info 1st. When this happened to me - I was on it fast. Telling the receiver and rectifying the issue prior to their banks notice.

They did NOTHING.

• 8/11 - I called and got voice mail - left message requesting a call back.
• 8/11 pm - gal called back and hit my voice mail.
• I returned this call within 15 minutes. Then the drama began.

The gal blamed the NSF on the bank and their holding procedures. Telling me the bank was holding their check for 3 days. This is not news to me. I am a frequent online banker - like everyday. I know the procedures. I watch and make my moves around them.

Thus, the reason I held their check until the following week. Giving them time for paycheck deposits. Just in case. Yes, I am thoughtful.

At this point, those funds would be released. But instead of rectifying this situation, she tells me they need to go into the bank and clear up the fees and stuff. Big sobbing story. The points of lies were:

• Bank had hold on still - B.S. This is illegal and 6 extra days after the initial run through.

She talked in circles. I broke in and told her to take the rent to a branch of my bank 1 mile from the property. Giving her all the information she needed. I then requested a text message after the deposit was made and instructed her to save the deposit slip, since I have had issues lately.

Well, the deposit never hit. BIG SURPRISE!

I tried calling for 1/2 a day yesterday. Left numerous messages. Another big red flag. Don't you dare ignore me. YOU S.O.B.

So, last night I created my 5-Day Notice required by my attorney and left it in the door. I'm not waiting. I have their security deposit and this shyt will not fly.

Today, I'm going in. I have a very beautiful clause that states I can enter the property during reasonable hours to inspect without forewarning. I love my attorney. She verified I am good to go. Recommending I ring and knock before entering - but they can't keep me out.

I do have cause to worry and need to verify my unit is okay.

Warnings to debtors or renters:

Never ignore the one on the otherside. You will receive more compassion and help by keeping the lines of communication open.

Warning to landlords:

Make sure your attorney has a clause in your lease to keep the property open for you at all times.

Is that a bald spot?

Taking a week off, is really killing me here. I guess it is just different when you are self-employed. We had no one really to carry the ball while we were gone. Just opening the mail took me 2 hours yesterday. And now it sits, covering my once clean desk.

I'm feeling stressed. Way to much to do and some of it requiring me to flex my muscles:

1. 1 Tenant did not pay rent for August. I had to chase it down. Then, they shorted and swear by the almighty that they will forward the rest at the end of the week. We will see.
2. New Tenant's rent check bounced. Then when I called them yesterday - gave me some cock-bull story. Now they are avoiding me. This will be a Luigi on their door step thing.
3. My bank miss-recorded a deposit back on 7-11. I check my accounts everyday and corrected this through their online system after I saw my deposit disappear. Then, while I was gone, they sent my statement with a $10 service charge. I sent them an email asking what this was for and they said "your balance dipped below the minimum". My ARSE! I then sent them with another email with the slip info and showed them their error. And they gave me back my $10. So all is good here, but still time consuming.

How do you all go on vacations and yet, keep everything together? I have a headache and I'm running out of hair to pull.

New Tenants

I worked way up North yesterday. It made for an extremely long and late day. Especially, when considering I started at my desk at 5 am.

With football camp underway, I couldn't head up to the job until after picking up all the boys and dropping them off at home. Which meant I worked a half a day in my office before driving the hour and 1/2 to the site. Then working another 6 hours, before making the trip back.

Of course, I was unable to just go home. I had to meet my new tenants to deliver keys and receive their first months rent. Which I will be depositing prior to our vacation.

A long day away only means that I have a back log of stuff to do today prior to leaving.

• More laundry - surprise! I bet you didn't figure this with 5 of us here going.
• Change key pad on side door lock - with new code for dog sitter
• Clean house, for dog sitter
• Go to bank for deposits and cash for trip
• Pedi & Mani - because I need them!
• Pick boys up at football and deliver
• Post office run
• Hallmark run (b-day cards needed -OOPs forgot)
• Write notes for dog sitter
• Pack suit case
• Pick up van
• Prepare easy grab snack bags from bulk bags
• Make cooler of goodies for ride to save money
• Finish closing up my office
• Get some rest - we are leaving at 3 am.

This vacation stuff is hard. I hope you all have a wonderful & safe week. Thanks to all who shared their knowledge on my dog sitting fees and cash in my pocket. Hopefully, I'll catch on to this vacation stuff!

Lease Signed & Security Deposit In Hand!

Oh yeah, and it is sweet.

The couple are very interested in this property and moving themselves to a better place. I'm hoping and planning on the best results from this mutual decision.

I have to say, I'm feeling very positive.

They won't be moving in till August, but it shows their commitment and financial placement with their agreement to prepaying the security deposit.

Most folks I have talked with and shown the place, want to negotiate payments on the security deposit. Been there, done that and would never help another again.

Well, maybe.......

Dare I dream of financial comforts

Okay, here is the scoop. I have found a tenant that I like and that is not trying to make me change the world to rent my last vacant unit.

Their credit report is not the best, but my agency has okay-ed the rental with first and last months rent. From what I see, they have had some rough early times and are trying to re-establish themselves. I can actually see the change in the credit report.

So, this is promising.

Although, I have learned that promise means nothing. :-( Some people just don't care when it comes down to it. I'm hoping my gut is right this time. I have a log of all the showings - due to tracking mileage and hours and it is unbelievable the quantity of showings I have done.

What is even scarier is the amount of people who do not pass mine or the credit companies standings.

So many folks are hurting and being buried under poor choices. Where or where did they go wrong so far that they can't find their way back? It is terribly sad. I wish I could tell them to hold on and conquer the beast one task at a time. Yet, I doubt most would listen.

This family and I will be meeting shortly to sign a lease and to put in place the security deposit. They do not need the unit until August. They have agreed to secure it with the security deposit. So, I will be taking down my sign.

This is great for us financially. I can stop supporting this unit and apply the cash to all this spending we are doing - think anniversary trip, college, new bikes, etc.etc. We are spending like crazy in the hopes of living a bit.

Initiating Credit Check

Finally, I think I have found a tenant that I feel comfortable with and that wants to rent. What a relief. I'm tired.

Yes, the property is for sale, but I think having tenants is the best thing for me financially. Not to mention emotionally. I need a break. The way I see it, if the other tenants decide not to renew, I will have a 5 month break from tenant hunting.

At this point any break is good.

I think they will renew. Time will tell.

So, tonight after receiving their application and credit check fee, in cash, I have sent it off to let my credit company do the work.

The credit company I use is A.I.R. - Affiliated Information Resources. They are awesome. They have a quick turn around time and they make all the calls, so I don't have too. They are definitely a mandatory resource for the landlord.

At least I do something right. :-)

If they come back with a clean criminal background and a good clean tenant history, this property should be profitable by the time we leave for Jersey. Wouldn't that be a nice change!

Hope this doesn't put a Jynx on me

I finally met with and liked a family looking at my duplex for rent.



I was totally exhausted and tired of showings when they showed up Saturday evening. They were the first family not to ask me for something. Everyone wants something.

• Cheaper rent


• Split deposit over 4-6 months


• Pets - multiple or no extra security deposit (not)


• No Credit Check - "can you just not do this?" - Ahhh... NO!


• Section 8


• or an extended family situation - spanning 3-4 generations

So, I kind of get discouraged. I am not willing to rent to folks with these kids of issues. In my opinion, if they are coming in with a sob story, it will be a new sob story each month when rent comes due.

I personally can not take the whiny stories. I'm done with that. I do not have a landlord spine in place and I am not going to put myself there.

I will like them, their family, their vehicle, etc.etc. or I will not bother to rent. I would rather it sit empty. I've had too many sleepless nights to install a family that I will have to evict again. I'm tired.

I'm forwarding a credit application to them - we will see.

They would like to move in August 1st. And with that over a month away are willing to give me the security deposit to hold the place until then. They offered before I asked - so sweet!

Maybe a financial easing with this.

Rental Property Values

There is only one word to describe how I feel, after meeting with the real estate agent yesterday - shocked!



Anyone with ears, eyes and half a brain knows what the market is doing. Or should I say not doing. I was completely aware of the fact that I would be taking a loss if I chose to sell at this point.



The thing is, I am a huge DON'T WANTER!



To me the sanity from freedom is worth more then a few thousand dollars. So, prior to meeting with the agent, I was furiously working on my numbers. Determining my bottom line and preparing for the worst. Of course, the value of the relief from the sale, so outweighs the debt I would walk away with.



So, with my bottom line in place and the total amount of debt I would be willing to hold - we headed out for the meeting.



Under any other circumstances, I would have been stressed and burdened. Yet, I found myself elated and excited on the trip over. Showing just how much I wanted out. I'm exhausted from listen to tenants sob stories. Can't anyone just buck-up and deal with life.



How you handle adversity is a good gauge to how much success you will have.



The tenants I have had, will not enjoy success. At least no where in the foresee-able future. They are still in the blame everyone else mode. It isn't someone else's fault you don't succeed. It is completely yours. Each of us has a power within us to succeed. Take it or leave it.



Just like I am completely to blame for my failure as a residential landlord.



I failed to learn an enact what I needed to, to succeed. I was not thick skinned and a bit too emotional and caring for this position. Failing to exert my position to make the property profitable. No one to blame, but myself.



After touring the property and reviewing comps with the realtor, I was waiting for the bad news. Praying that what ever number the realtor said, would not be under my bottom line for freedom.



The realtor was informed prior to our meeting that pricing this building right to sell, was more important to me - then profits. Both DH & I are completely comfortable with a loss.



The comps blew my mind away. These folks had prices sold for that were sky high away from bottom line. My building had so much more to offer too. Like quiet street, corner tree'd lot, large square footage. These numbers were a good $100k above my bottom line.



I'm listening soaking in the information. Hearing that there is currently a shortage of this type of building for sale. Hearing that investors are calling everyday searching for this type of property. Hearing that (what I knew) this property would be an excellent investment for an owner occupied with rental. Etc, etc.



After all the talking, the realtor switched to numbers. Stating that, with our feelings to drive our price, we would be best served not to list at the top - where all the other properties sold.



At this point, I'm not sad. I know the realtor is looking out for us and the needed quick sale. Although in this market, who knows if a sale is even possible. We are moving more then other areas and it is the season, but it is a crap shoot.



What I was not prepared for was the price we were shot. It is above what we paid for the building. It would not leave us with any debt. We would receive our cash back out. We would be loan free. Our expenses for sale would be covered. Best yet, there is room to haggle and still accomplish this goal.



The price is significantly below the comparables, with a property much "more" the the comparables. If the right person finds this unit - I think we could have a win-win situation.



So, why didn't I sleep last night?

Called A Realtor

Another big step this weekend. After much struggles to learn and be a productive residential landlord, I have decided to give it up.

I don't like it. I am loosing sleep over it. I am getting sick over it. I am too emotional and get to attached to people I interact with. All of which makes me a terrible, awful landlord.

Plus, I receive little help from DH, who is way too much like me. :-) He can't carry the burden either. Making me just too tired to struggle with the load anymore.

Even if I have to take a loss, I am okay with this choice. Especially, since I can't keep both sides rented.

I have calculated my bottom line and determined, that my monthly cash outlay will decrease by $700-$800 a month, selling below market. And at least I would see the end and free myself of the stress. Which is worth a ZILLION times more.

There are folks made for this, and I am not one. I have found commercial property is much easier. Thus, why I began there.

Chalk this up as a lesson learned.

Meeting the realtor this week and hopefully will get the ball rolling.

A choice that makes me FEEL SO GOOD!

Showings Scheduled

I am so sick of "showing" my rental. I would probably be better served hiring a management firm. Why?

• I am opinionated
• I am judgmental
• I am leery
• I am more content carrying the cost, then allowing just anyone to live there.

Meaning, I am full of emotion. This is not the place to be when you have emotions.

Hopefully, I find a match for my liking! And theirs of course.

Nightmares of bad tenants do not slip away - they linger in your mind.

FYI - the new tenants on the other side have been there for 4 months now (May is the 5th) and have followed through. I should be knocking on wood.

Whatcha Smokin'?

What a showing. I believe I have entered the Twilight Zone. Where folks believe they can create the reality they want. Where I am so lacking in mental capacity (actually I do feel this one lately) that I will allow them anything their hearts desire. Even if it is flashing in my face like an atom bomb.

The first woman, who spoke very little English - brought her son and her sister and another male that remained in his car. The car was a red, flashy sports car.

Red Flags:

• "We want it right away" - what ya on the streets now?
• "Do we pay you in cash or check?" - check if your mailing it (better yet MONEY ORDER)
• My turn - "who would be living here?" - sit down folks, this is a doozy - "me, my husband, my son, my father, my sister, my sister's husband and my nephew" I think she would have went on - if we weren't having language differences. Which brings me too.......
• They speak very little English - I only speak English - What happens if they are late with the rent - will I hear "I don't speak English". No, this wont work.
• I gave them an application - in which I explained it is mandatory for a credit check. Oh, they claimed to understand, but I don't think they did. I knew they didn't when........
• "I don't have a Social Security Number - is that okay to not fit in?" NO - YOU MUST HAVE A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER FOR A CREDIT CHECK.
• "But I have a checking account." - what???? I believe due to the terrorist thing, we all need S.S. #'s when banking.
• I loved this one - remember the huge list of people to live there (in their dreams) - "I know we are a lot of people, but will take care of your property perfect." Ya, right.

Breath D, Breath.

The next guy, was also speaking broken English. Although, much better. He only had 5 kids and a wife, he wanted to squeeze into my 3 bedroom. So, I guess you would call that improvement.

He works locally and so does his wife. But he wants me to chop the rent down to levels that are not even close to sustaining.

So, the vacancy continues.

"Do you take credit cards?"

I met with a couple to show them the residential unit, that is sitting empty yesterday. I could tell that one of the happy couple - was all for the place. The other, I think is of the mindset "whatever you want".

They asked for an application and then wanted to know if I took credit cards. It is the first time I have been asked that. I doubt it will be the last. After getting over my initial shock, which I believe I covered well, and telling them no. I was uplifted by their reaction.

I expected to see disappointment. Yet, they didn't seem to care either way. I'm wondering if they utilize credit cards as a tool, much like myself. Hmmm???

Anyway, no commitments here yet. They have the application and if they call me back, I will run their credit report. It would be awesome to have a good tenant installed for 2008.

I am totally happy with my last installed tenants. They are so far: paying on time, calling to say they are happy, keeping the place clean and are just great people. Even to the point, that I got stuck in the snow yesterday and they helped me get out. I would have done it myself, but I appreciate their help. I need to send a thank you to them.

I suspected they would be good people from the get go, but don't trust my judgement in this area anymore.

The only oddity that presented itself was when we first spoke - the gal who called wanted to know if I had a problem with lesbians. I found it an odd question and one that was none of my business. She later explained, they had had difficulties in the past. So, I guess I understand her concern.

I hate to say it, but I'm a bit glad they had difficulties - cause I got some awesome new tenants. Now to keep my emotions out of it. Cause they could probably become my friends.

Hopefully, I find another great tenant soon. Sure would help finances in 2008.

Tax Return ........ Check

I have an ongoing goal for myself. One that is a must, if I plan on keeping my sanity. That goal?????

To file my tax returns prior to my birthday. This is my birthday week and I can call it - Goal Completed!!!

I was getting worried there. Seems like all my income producing work is coming in at the last minute. Which of course, holds off the non-income producing work.

I'm sad to report, we will be getting a refund. Sad because I don't like the government holding my money and this year was a doosy. We will be getting back about $3000.00 combined. OUCH!

This is after I have them take money off the top for first quarter estimates, due April 15th.

That money sucking residential rental, is at fault for this. Which I guess means, I am at fault.

2008 is a new year though. I have installed one excellent tenant so far, now to find the second.

Where is that plug?

My financial bucket has been shot with some huge holes in the last week. Combine that with all the losses of life and 2008 is looking as bad as 2007.

I need a vacation!

Or the ability to drink alcohol more frequently. I feel like someone snatched up the Sears Tower and is setting in on my shoulders.

I should be grateful, I don't have to work at the store anymore.

So, why do I feel so overburdened? What has hit our financial and emotional house in the past week?

• Furnace died in our commercial property - one unit anyway. The cost, at cost, is going to amount to $2500 - $4000 to replace. Yes, it does hurt. Thanks for asking.
• DD3's car is a nightmare. Issue after issue, all stemming from an alarm system. She was without wheels one night and I let her take my car. She slid into a guardrail. I did my best to stay calm, remembering it is only a car. And grateful she was safe. But the car is paid for and it is mine. I hate driving a car that looks like a beater. I don't know if we will have it repaired. The damage is mostly surface.
• Driving down 88 last week a dump truck was in front of me. In a flash, he lost a crap load of frozen ice. I tried to veer out of the way - without running into another or having the guy tailing me run into my a.ss. It didn't' work, one piece left a dent on my hood. Son of a .....
• I rec'd notice that the last tenants -the ones who left my residential unit in shambles, didn't pay their city bill (water,trash etc). $400 unpaid. This is now for me to pay.

If I didn't have so much work to do.....I would run away! What will this week bring? Besides the elimination of my savings.

I was so nervous

Going to the residential rental is almost torture for me. Seems the property is cursed or is it me? Either way, I feel my heart race and my body start to sweat like a hooker at a political convention, when I head that way.

Only one way to describe it - Anxiety!

That place could be the death of me. I need to figure this management stuff out. I need to get some balls and be tough. How do you teach yourself to be a son of a beach? Is there a class? You think growing up near the city, I would have learned that tougher skin. At times, I wonder how I grew up and got out. I guess there is toughness in me, somewhere.

Don't get me wrong - I LOVE The City of CHICAGO. The people, the fun, the places - Chicago is an awesome place. A place for everyone to be together and yet free to be lost in a crowd. Ahhh...paradise.

Okay, I'm about 60-80 miles away from my current panic. When I arrived I didn't know what to expect. I have seen the place bad when someone has left and I have seen it worse. The last one about killed my spirit. I'm okay with hard work - but this case was toxic.

I never dreamed I would see what I saw.

Clean. The bathrooms were clean. The laundry was clean. The bedrooms were clean. Even the kitchen was clean. I opened the fridge and boom.....clean, even had a box of Arm & Hammer. Holy cow!

I needed this!

Yes, they are leaving me in a bind. Yes, I am struggling to make this property profitable or at least break even. But for one brief moment - I am content. Thank you tenant, for at least that small gift.

Fill one unit, empty the other

As of January 1st, I did rent out the vacated side of the residential rental. So far, so good with these tenants.

I'm hoping for the best, but am cautiously awaiting the worse.

Terrible how prior experiences give you no confidence in others and the next. The credit agency I use, has said they believe these folks will pay. So, I'm hoping. The prior landlord said they "would rent to them again" another good sign. So, keeping my fingers crossed.

Other side of the building - decided they do not need to pay rent.

OMG! Do I have a F me over stamp on my forehead.

Thankfully, they are vacating as I type this. They are breaking their lease - and I am unsure if I will pursue. Again, I'm a crappy landlord. I may need to move this into the attorneys capable hands. Once again, turning me into a son of beach for their actions.

I'm heading to the property today with my camera and praying the property is in better condition then the other side when it was vacated.

I would love to curl into the fetal position for a while - but that wouldn't help anything. Good thing my ad is still in the paper to rent.

Papers Served

Yesterday, in the mail I received a package from my attorney. This package included copies of the documents served to 2 employers. These companies employ past tenants at my residential rental. My attorney is looking for a Wage Garnishment for me.

The funny thing is, I'm sure this couple thinks I am a "son of a beach" for doing this. They will never know how hard this is on me. I feel like that "son of a beach". This is why, I have to let the attorney do her job and I have to remain on the outside. I don't have the stamina for this type of thing.

Once again proving I am a crappy landlord.

As I am reading through the documents yesterday, I can't help but get an AH-HA feeling from them. Remember my issue at Wal-Mart? The one where I held up the line with the checker who refused to use my recyclable bags? By the way, I haven't been to Wally World since. I have shopped at Jewel the one by my trainer, and a local small grocer by my home. I'll teach them.

Anyway, makes me feel better thinking that the checker may be a friend of my dead beat ex-tenant. Since, the gal works AT THAT WAL-MART. Funny stuff. In my imagination she is just sticking up for a friend, that is being sued by ME. :-) I'm bring down the big institution from the inside out. (not! LOL)

I know it isn't true.