A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

Thoughts on my RV-renting brainstorm?


Posted: Jul 4, 2013

Every now and then on MTStars someone (usually someone who works for one of the Big Two) will say she's in imminent danger of living in her car… and, of course, we MT/MEs are certainly not alone in that regard these days.

Whenever that comes up, I come back around to an idea I've been considering for a long time now.  I have a few acres out in the boonies in Western Washington and a big house.  I divided the house and rented the downstairs to (by pure chance) an ex-ME who carries the scars of our sweatshop "profession's" slow demise  (IRS debt, medical bills in collection, wages being garnished) and is now scraping by working in a clinic -- 40 minutes from here -- for $12/hour. 

The rest of the house, though, is still considerably bigger than I need. 

I've thought for a while that it would make sense to get one or even two RVs or travel trailers to park on my acreage, hook up to water and electricity, and rent out (cheaply, of course).  However, when I consider living in an RV/TT myself long-term, the only things I really dislike about the idea are a tiny tub/shower and an RV-style toilet (with a tank that has to be pumped).

In chewing on the idea with a friend the other night, I realized that it would actually be pretty easy to divide my part of the house and put in a door directly outdoors on the side of the house where the RVs/TTs would be anyway… giving the folks renting the RVs shared access to the kitchen, laundry room, and one of the house's two bathrooms.  (I would keep the master bedroom, master bathroom, and living room as my own private space with all of us sharing the kitchen and laundry room, and as a bonus the swim spa.)

Of course, it would still cost some money to do this, especially when you consider that I would probably have to convert an electric item to propane for each RV/TT (choosing between hot water heater, swim spa heater, and clothes dryer) to create their electrical hookups.

One risk, of course, is the possibility of choosing the wrong person, especially since this would be some hybrid between housemate and neighbor/tenant. 

The other risk lies in the fact that it's technically against zoning to occupy an RV/TT as a home except in an RV or trailer park… though my place isn't visible from the road or any other house, and with folks sharing part of the house, I'm not sure whether they would be exactly considered to be living in the RVs/TTs anyway.  (And it's a very common practice, of course, out here in the boonies.  The only case I've heard of where people were told to stop was one where they had run a hose to the neighbor's water spigot without permission and were stealing water, in addition to having loud, drunken all-weekend parties most weekends every summer.)

Thoughts?

;

I have lived in my RV for nearly five years now... - never expected

[ In Reply To ..]
I own some land outside of town so there are no zoning restrictions. I was able to get a permit to put in a septic tank so other than a smaller square footage I have all the same utilities as in town and my RV payment is far less than the typical car payment.

You might not have to rent out anything if you just downsize, but it's all definitely doable. Just do a short term lease or month to month at first in case you get the wrong type of tenant if you go that route. The 'tiny home movement' is exploding - where people either expand RV's or build very small houses, etc. ,and many people live off the grid as well.

I wouldn't go back to a mortgage and a full sized home for anything, though I am anxious to be able to expand the RV to include an extra room and a deck with carport.

Sounds Creepy to Me - Maybe I Watch Too Many Movies

[ In Reply To ..]
Maybe I watch too many LMN roommate movies, but that sounds creepy to me---to have strangers out in the boonies sharing your living space.

Otherwise, it sounds okay, if you don't mind sharing space with someone. They would practically be living with you, because their mealtimes may vary with yours, or be the same, hard to know. Anyway, they'd be in and out.

If you found someone you sort of knew, at least well enough to know they're "okay," and you like them, then what the heck.

It is always risky to go against zoning-type laws, though. You could be in deep stuff there if they decide to crack down.

How about setting up a small mobile home - L&L

[ In Reply To ..]
as a community space for laundy and toilet. I'd stick to poor near sighted old ladies such as myself and avoid any strong young males as tenants.

Similar Messages:


RentingJan 06, 2010
Anyone having problems, major problems while renting?  Thinking about renting an apartment instead of a house.  All replies appreciated. ...

Renting A Car At Houston Airport And Jun 23, 2015
Flying into Houston, needing rental car. Have never done this and if rental off site, are you provided shuttle picking up and delivering back? ...

Can Anybody Give Me Any Thoughts About Some Health Symptoms I'm Having....any Thoughts Would BeMar 31, 2011
Hello all.  I have been an MT for 20 plus years, yet not being a doctor, I can't seem to put a finger on what may be going on with me, but I do have some ideas.  Ten years ago I had a bowel resection for an obstruction and have since developed 4 massive incisional hernia in my abdomen.  They don't hurt, but occasionally flareup and change and it sends me to the ER everytime because Im afraid they may have gotten incarcerated.  Over the past 6 months I have noticed t ...

My ThoughtsFeb 12, 2017
He has classic signs of insanity. ...

Thoughts OnFeb 04, 2017
There are actually two things in this article.  I am a believer in the second ammendment and a democrat.  However, I also believe there are people out there who should not own guns.  Perhaps this bill was vague (I haven't seen the actual bill), but I do believe people with severe mental illness with violence tendencies should not own guns. The other issue is the last paragraph:  "The goal of the rule was to minimize coal mine pollutants in waterways and would have requ ...

A Few Thoughts FromMay 16, 2017
see article ...

Some Conservative ThoughtsOct 22, 2009
If a conservative doesn’t like a news organization or a talk show host, he switches channels. Liberals demand that those they don’t like be shut down.  If a conservative decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it.  A liberal demands that the rest of us pay for his.  If a conservative doesn't like guns, he doesn't buy one.  If a liberal doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.  If a ...

Some Liberal Thoughts Oct 25, 2009
If a conservative doesn’t like a news organization or a talk show host, he goes on multiple chat boards and blogs and does everything he can to discredit them. Liberals just don't invite them in.  If a conservative decides he needs health care coverage, it is after he has taken advantage of the system by not carrying it; making payments to healthcare providers who are not in the business of lending money, and sometimes he has filed bankruptcy.  A liberal recognizes that eve ...

Your Thoughts Re: DiabetesAug 15, 2011
My mother has type 2 diabetes (uncontrolled because she is noncompliant. ).  I have been experiencing some symptoms that are concerning me and I wondered if I should get tested.  I probably am going to go ahead and call the doctor, but wanted to hear some other thoughts and opinions. #1 I am always thirsty and seem to always have the munchies. #2 I have been having intermittent bouts of nausea and sweating/claminess. #3 Swelling in ankles and feet. #4 ? of blurry vision.  I am ...

Election Day Thoughts ...Nov 02, 2010
I used to vote for who I wanted in office because we had credible, responsible candidates - promising, at the least.  Now I vote to keep out the lesser of the evils. All that aside, my thoughts for the whole nation on any election day: 1.  May we all vote in peace, without threat or harm or intereference. 2.  May all who are able to vote soberly cast their vote. 3.  May we be able to pull together and get behind those who prevail and make the best of the process, regardle ...

Some Thoughts About This Board, Etc. Mar 18, 2012
I respect everyone’s right to their opinions.    We have a 2-party system in this country, thankfully, although  at times I wish it were more, and if we all thought the same, or weren’t allowed to disagree, we would probably not be living in a democracy.    This is my issue.   When I hear, for example, some conspiracy theory on how Obama’s (or it could be anyone) agenda is to ruin the country, turn it into a socialist state  (wh ...

Moving ThoughtsAug 02, 2010
Need some advice.  I have a 13 yo son whom I have moved states with a few times.  Everytime I move he comes with me!  We have lived in Wisconsin and Iowa.  He has had to switch schools a total of 2 times.  I have a wonderful opportunity to move out of state and have been getting NOTHING but grief from EVERYONE.  My parents say I am selfsih.  Problem is it is only because I am not DOING WHAT THEY WANT ME TO DO.  If this was their plan it would be different ...

Random ThoughtsJun 01, 2010
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my mother for my oddly longer second toe that sticks out of sandles and peep toes like a monkey's finger.  THANKS MOM!  ♥ ...

2016--thoughtsMay 06, 2015
Just heard prediction there could be as many as 21 Republican candidates.  I wonder how bad they are going to tear into one another.  This has, in the past, made it very difficult for the candidate to recover from some of the accusations.  Of course, depends on the accusation. On the other side, Democrats, with 2, not as certain there will be more.  I think Sanders will argue on the issues.  I think Clinton will give thought to the those issues/accusations and answer.&n ...

Thoughts And PrayersNov 11, 2016
I'm not even sure where to begin.  I have so much anger and frustration inside me right now that I am tense and achy, depressed and sad.  I am isolated from adults, only kids at home since my husband admitted to cheating and moved in with her.  I do go to church; however, everyone at the church knows my husband and me and it is difficult for me to tell them what has happened because he was thought to be such a wonderful Christian man.  Hate the sin, not the sinner.   ...

Random ThoughtsNov 29, 2015
Post your random thoughts here! Doesn't necessarily mean you need to respond to anyone and everyone, you can if you want to, but post whatever's on your mind. My random thought: Post your random thoughts here! Doesn't necessarily mean you need to respond to anyone and everyone, you can if you want to, but post whatever's on your mind. My random thought: Just got home after sitting an hour and a half in a coffee joint to figure out I had my sweater on backwards.  ...

Some Thoughts, Please See MessageMay 20, 2017
I Submit That The Media Be Prosecuted For TREASON, For Creating A Completely FALSE Narrative About Our President Trump. I Have NEVER Seen Such Vitriol & Hatred! We Finally Have A Commander In Chief Who Is Doing GREAT Things To SAVE This Country, Yet All MSM Wants To Talk About Is Impeachment! WHAT A JOKE... What About:1. You said nothing when Obama used drone strikes to execute people abroad.2. You said nothing about Russia for 50 years until Trump was inaugurated.3. You said nothing about H ...

My Thoughts On The Post About The GOP PlanNov 10, 2009
Firstly, I am *not* opposed to a GOP plan - and to be fair I don't have enough details about what it would and would not do (which I plan to remedy).  I read the following post to get more information, but much of it is opinion - or vague -and did not explain how it is better than the current bill(s) under consideration.  Let me be specific:  OP:  This is what I like about the GOP plan:Instead of govt insurance it reforms the system. 1.  How is the "Pelosi's ...

What Are Your Thoughts On This Bill Being PassedDec 15, 2011
could now be in even greater jeopardy of being arrested and imprisoned indefinitely, with no right to a trial?  Pretty scary.  And note, this is neither a Repub or a Dem issue, this is an issue that goes against the Constitution.  Apparently at the last minute, it's being realized that language was taken out of the original bill, clarifying that US Citizens could not just be swept off the streets and imprisoned without due justice and a trial.  Now the ABSENCE of that pa ...

Asking For Some Prayers And Positive ThoughtsMar 24, 2012
I am asking for prayers and good thoughts concerning a possible job opportunity.  I lost my job at the end of February (due to my own stupidity) and have been having a hard time finding work since.  I have applied for unemployment, however, it is the process of being appealed right now, so basically, I am down to nil nothing as far as a cash flow is concerned. At my age (56), I am too old to consider retraining for another career field and I was born slightly cerebral palsied, where s ...

Obamacare Passed . . . What Are Your ThoughtsMar 21, 2010
Well, healthcare (Obamacare) passed. What are your thoughts and how do you think it will affect the healthcare industry from the workers' point of view (not only MT but everyone).   ...

Interested In Your Thoughts/feelings AboutJun 29, 2010
This is not exclusively political, but since it pertains to current national events, I am posting here.  I am interested in hearing any and all thoughts/feelings/ideas/frustrations regarding the Gulf oil disaster.    I myself am stunned that we have been unable to prevent the oil from making land-fall.  I am not a babe in the woods, but I do believe that America brings huge resources to the table in terms of brain power and horse power.       ...

RANDOM SILLY THOUGHTSJul 13, 2010
OMG!! I love the game Bookworm!  I think I'm an addict!  Somebody get me a dictionary, quick!!!!! ...

My Thoughts Non Jobs And Hiring. SmJun 03, 2012
A while back president Obama proposed a small business hiring income tax credit.  Since it still hasn't been voted on, I think small businesses might be holding off on hiring waiting for it to pass so they can take advantage of the credit.  What do you all think?  I am going to write my congressmen and tell them to get this bill on the fast track now when we need it the most.  I think that this is a bipartisan issue that everyone should be able to agree on. ...

Did Anyone On Here Ever Use Bilberry Extract And What Are You Thoughts On This.Sep 23, 2012
I have elevated IOPs and would like to try this. ...

Some Powerful Thoughts Concerning TrumpOct 06, 2016
Pastor Valton Douglas of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Columbia, Mississippi, shares some powerful thoughts concerning Donald Trump: "I've heard too many say lately that we, the American people, have no choice in this November election! Do you really think that God would leave us with no choice! Come on people! Where's your faith!! He has heard our cries! In defense of Donald Trump: Try to keep this in mind, Donald Trump did not steal your money. Donald Trump did not raise your ta ...

Thoughts And Prayers NeededNov 03, 2015
My daughter's best friend was critically injured in a car accident Sunday evening. He had to be cut out of his vehicle.  He broke both his legs, continues to have internal bleeding and had to be rushed again to the OR this morning for the bleeding, fever, and difficulty breathing.  He is 16 years old. My daughter is beside herself with fear.   ...

My Cat Is Missing; I Could Use Some Good Thoughts/prayersFeb 09, 2010
I could use some positive thoughts and advice, and since I work at home as an MT, and I'm antisocial (by necessity, almost), you ladies and gents are the closest thing I have to friends and coworkers. Our beloved cat slipped out on Friday night and we're worried because a heavy storm and cold  is on the way. My husband and I are in Chicago.    Since I was the dummy who let the cat slip out (I didn't even know she was gone until morning) it's been pretty unbea ...

Needing Some Prayers And Positive ThoughtsAug 14, 2010
I lost my job back in May, when I was making REALLY good money due to my boss being killed in a car accident and the family not wanting to take on dealing with her company.  I started working for a national and right now, not making the money that I was used to with the other MTSO.  As a resuilt, I  fell behind on my rent and during this period of time, (was asked to renew my lease, but with all the stress, it slipped my mind).  My lease was up at the end of July and 2 weeks ...

A Few Thoughts About The Political Discourse On This BoardJun 30, 2015
1.   Pigeonholes, prejudices and labels:  It's the natural tendency of the human mind to simplify reality.  This is an adaptive mechanism by which we seek to make sense of a world that is overwhelmingly complex and constantly changing.  Even our physical sensory organs (and their respective brain centers) are designed in a way to filter OUT the vast majority of the millions of bits of sensory data that impinge on us constantly. If not, we'd be so inundated with ...