Also, just because a person has a mental or physical reason they can't work and earn money doesn't mean they get to live somewhere rent free. Then expect a landlord to just let them stay no problem!

rodrigo- I don't think you got my point. People can not expect others to let them live rent free. I KNOW people have physical and mental problems and can not work. They should find friends or relatives to live with then. Sitting in a rental you can't pay the rent for is not fair to the landlord. Move to one of the homeless shelters if you have no friends or family. Or move where you do have friends and family. Yes this man gave them a place to live in the dead of winter. But winter is over. Even the GIFTS mens homeless shelter is closed for the season due to the warmer weather. I do not feel sorry for any of the GM folks that can't pay their morgage or rent. They made A LOT of money for A LOT of years and have nothing to show for it? Really? Shame on them for living beyond their means (along with anyone else who does so) and now complain they have no money. Maybe they should have put some of that money in the bank instead of spending it as fast as they made it. They would now have money to live on along with their sub pay and unemployment. Yes we have a bad economy right now. Everyone needs to buckle down and weather the storm, what else can we do? And I do help others, I donate food goods, I give to the Salvation Army and Echo. But as a landlord, I will not allow people to live rent free. Luckily we haven't had any problems in that department (except in 2002 to a GM worker!!!) and we pick tenents that have a good work history and good credit. It is necessary to protect the morgage payment. I have been in a bad situation in the past. Had to live with my parents, and drive a 10+ year old car. (still drive a 10+ year old car) Had debt up to my eyeballs, had severe medical problems which caused depression. I have been there done that. I made the decision I wanted more out of life. So I worked at any jobs I could get, as many hours as I could get, saved my money, paid off my debt, and moved up in the world. The only handouts came from my family in that I lived with them. I wanted to get the point across that people can do alot more to help themselves. The scense of entitlement going around is so outrageous it really makes me sick and Im really tired of it.

Dayum! I lived in a place the Andersons bought for 8 years. Sounds like buying my own house a few years ago was the right move!

There was a story about a large management company who went belly-up. They had multiplexes in numerous states. They stopped upkeep on some of them, power was shut off in others, etc.., The properties were taken into receivership and even though the tenants were not behind in their rent, they were booted out (some).

My point is that this is NOT a unique situation. It also doesn't mean that Billy is a crook or some of the other names he has been called when this could be happening to any number of people/corporations across the country. People always seem to have an easier time manage someone else's pocketbook than their own.

I suspect the only reason this is "news" is because there was only one meter for power. Otherwise, none of us would be any the wiser.

Well said, Ihavealife. That makes sense.

The truth is, no matter what facts are presented, the people who think he is wrong won't change their mind anymore than the people who think he was right. Some people think that his tenants should "work, make money, we all have to, you should have to also", while others know that it simply isn't possible for some adults to do that anymore than it is possible for a 10 year old child to do that.

Again, localboy, you are suggesting that the people he was helping are choosing their situation, which most of them are not. This was a big hearted, intelligent man who chose to give freezing people a place to stay temporarily. And to answer your question to the best of my knowledge, no, they weren't watching cable. They were homeless. Talk about a no brainer...

rodrigo - everybody would like to provide to everybody a nice home and a roof over their heads. My point is, Billy's heart wants to help these people, but if he had a brain, he would know he can't. Everybody knows the economy is bad. I wonder how many of these people that are behind in rent still smoke, drink, and watch cable T.V? People need to start saving themselves. Socialism has been proven to not work, and this situation is a mild form of socialism.

Its not gossip when it shows up in this paper. I was just one day ahead of the Gazette, so I'll keep the rest to myself, it will be in print soon.

I understand there are people in crisis here in Rock County, but the story refers to someone who "bought" up 18 properties in the spring of 2008. This was the period of time when the housing market was really starting to tank... Properties were going for a song and eager owners were dumping properties as fast as they could to salvage their bank accounts.

Billy "bought" up 18 properties with out the financial wherewithal to pay the mortgages. No one was freezing when he bought them. Bad financial decisions are what got him into this mess in the first place.

I don't know the Anderson's but I am assuming Wells Fargo probably will work something out with him. Any monies is better than nothing from Billy. So only time will tell with this story.

gmaof3, in other message boards you claim to be well versed in scripture and you comfort people saying you are praying for them. That's great but as a Christian myself, I ask you to stop the hurtful gossip that you are well known for on these boards.

By the way, there is no such thing as a "section 8 house". There are people who receive section 8 rental assistance andlandlords who accept section 8 approved tenants.

wHaTeVeR- I know that it seems to you that it's easy for everyone in the world to "just get a job and pay the rent", but unfortunately it's not that way for everyone. There are A LOT of people out there with physical or mental disabilities, and some of them don't have any income at all. Social security is far from a being perfect program, and many people who are legitimately deserving of benefits are denied them, and that's not even to speak of the thousands of people effected by the closing of General Motors and the many others who are losing their jobs at no fault of their own right now, who are capable of and willing to work but aren't able to find employment. We are in a financial crisis in this country right now. I'm not saying people shouldn't pay their rent, but what I AM saying is that this situation wouldn't exist if it were just that simple. In times of crisis, we need to be adaptable, to be able to think "outside the box" so to speak, and think of ways to help each other out to be able to get through these messes. If you don't want to help, that's fine, but don't ask for help either when this crisis begins to effect you, and it will if it isn't dealt with properly now. And dealing with it properly IS NOT by telling people that they need to freeze to death if they aren't able to work or can't find work, nor is it by trashing the name of one of the few people brave enough to step up and help, albeit in unconventional ways.

gmaof3, I quote you when I write... "I, for one, would prefer to see people defend the people who are criminally assaulted... physically, mentally, financially, etc". Many of the people Billy allowed to stay in his vacant apartments over the winter are just that...victims of physical, mental and financial assault, as well as victims of sexual assault. Some were sexually, physically and/or mentally assaulted so bad (as children or adults) that they have developed mental disorders that prevent them from being able to work, and subsequently they are homeless. HE WAS DEFENDING THE PEOPLE YOU SAY YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE DEFENDED!

gmao3, I do have to say, I have lost my house. I had very good credit and got into an ARM. I figured I'd be able to refinance when I wanted at a lower rate. But guess what? My husband lost his job, he wasn't able to get unemployment, and the mortgage company doubled my payment.
I called the company (I actually purchased the home when I was single). I asked them to look at the original application and figure out how I would be able to pay them on my wages, the new payment they were asking.
They didn't care.
So, you know what?
I told them to screw themselves. I gave back the house (no offense to those in certain areas of Beloit). The neighborhood had gone the heck in the 5 years since I moved in. They don't want to work with me? Fine. Take the house, take all the upkeep and take the decreasing home values. I have kids, who are more important than a house.
I am much better off.
So no, it's not always the borrowers that are at fault. The lenders thought they could do whatever they wanted. Oh, and when I left? THEN they wanted to work something out. Sorry, too late.

gmaof3: I don't know Billy or anyone else involved in this situation, but I bet there are quite a few people grateful that he is there for them. Kind of like your daughter must feel for all the help you have given to her. Some people don't have family that can do the same for them. Count your blessings.

gmaof3--agreed. Like I said, just because you can doesn't mean you should. Just because a bank is silly enough to approve a 500k loan despite you making 28k/year doesn't mean you should take the deal.

"These section 8 properties are highly coveted among the slumlord fraternity."

A property isn't designated as Section 8. Section 8 assistance follows the renter. They can rent almost anywhere, but the rental unit must be inspected by the city before the Section 8 renter can move in.

Momof5, I don't even know the Andersons... never met them. It was the name that came up during discussion regarding someone I do know. As more days pass, I get more and more little tidbits...

These Anderson people (I don't believe) had all 18 properties... I think it was only a few. He hasn't paid anything, I was told... so take it with a grain of salt.

I have only been offering the "other side of the story", as so many people on these blogs seem to only defend the one being accused of breaking the law. I for one, would prefer to see people defend the people who are criminally assaulted... physically, mentally, financially, etc.

Billy dropped the ball on at least one property which is costing the tenant lost wages due to (I don't dare say more... my comment will get "removed" again...)

But this is FAR from a slap on the wrist... he will have some long weeks ahead of him. His assistance to people in dire straits was like putting a band aid on a tumor. The situation doesn't get better, it just prolongs the final outcome.

And I don't have to divulge what I know... just watch the Gazette... I was right - just 2 days ago. I'm no insider, but have friends and acquaintances that have been in dealings with this guy. He's not what everyone seems to think he is.

My own opinion of course!

Well, we can all blame the banking establishments, because that is truly what threw the country into a spiral. But we should also hold the borrowers to the same standard. If you can't pay the mortgage - you are out! The property is foreclosed on and you lose it.

The idea though, that Billy is some "great guy" for putting a roof over someone's head is besides the point. The story is about someone who has not paid his bills. So he is in trouble. And he owes ALOT of money and is affecting business owners as well. In my mind, this is wrong.

And I'm miffed that he expects some kind of bailout for making crappy decisions. Wow! Be accountable for your decisions and deal with the consequences!

Personally, gmaof3, I don't feel one bit sorry for Wells Fargo. What they did is precisely the reason the housing market crashed, the credit markets froze and the auto industry is struggling.

They granted loans because they could not because they should. Does that mean they should "have the screws put to them" because of it? No, of course not. But, come on, granting 4 mortgages to an individual with out substantial (and I mean in the muliti-millions)net worth is poor business management--let alone 18 or however many mortgages he has with them.

Of course, I am assuming Billy doesn't have this sort of liquidity (probably because if he did, he wouldn't be defaulting on any of this....)

It does suck that your friends, the Anderson's, will be left to pick up the pieces. But, that is the gamble you take when you are in business for yourself and extend ANY sort of credit terms to people. (I say this as I look at the $800 in bad checks I am "in line" to collect on from customers...it happens to all of "us").

Pay your rent or move out. It is not fair to expect others to carry your load. Move in with family or friends. This man is running a business. He NEEDS the money to make it run. Rent should be the first priorty! You have to have a place to live. This means you need to PAY YOUR RENT! If you just don't have the money then you need to go so this landlord can rent to someone who can pay the rent. Plain and simple!

Wow, gmaof3, localboysince1968 shopierehuh, aren't you guys paying attention? This country is in dramatic financial ruin, and some people have begun to feel it in their bank accounts quicker than others. Everyone is so quick to think that he is a crook or a moron, and that the people he helped are all lazy and would rather live that way than pay bills, but did it ever occur to anyone that some of them could be GM employees who lost their job, home and everything because they were unable to find employment? Or maybe county employees whose jobs were eliminated? Or even medical professionals, just as well as people suffering from a mental illness? Not everyone can find a job, and these discussions prove that a lot of people haven't even begun to realize how bad this is really going to get! gmaof3, the reason for the housing crisis IS NOT the Billies of the world, it's the rapidly declining financial situation caused raised prices of EVERYTHING-beginning with fuel, creating higher prices for shipping and transpotation. The cost of shipping leads to raised prices of the products that we all buy, like groceries-while jobs disappear and wages remain the same for those of us lucky enough to be employed right now. You need to brush up on your economics before you go slandering people. What about the young mothers who had their husbands pass away and now have to provide for an entire family alone, when their are very few jobs available? Believe it or not, there ARE people in your community who can't find work but are just as intelligent, motivated and worthy of respect as you people. Billy saw that,knew he had vacant units, and gave them a warm place to stay temporarily. Believe me, if the children in your family are effected by the economic breakdown of the US, you'll be praying for someone like Billy Kesselring to come along and help them. Billy Kesselring is a hero, let the man be!

have people forgot that when the "Gas & Oil baron's were in charge, Gas was over $4 a gallon??? No one could buy anything & the oil companies were making "OBSCENE PROFITS" ???
how could you make the rent or mortgage payments when you needed to get to a job. now that the jobs are gone, oil companies are still making obscene profits. no sacrifices for them, just less wages & more overseas jobs.
who really are the patriots in America?

gmaof3 & snarly, you both get your frills calling Billy a "crook" but you have never met him and you obviously have no inside information about his business. Did you read the rules of this board?
"Do not libel anyone. Libel is writing something false about someone that damages that person's reputation."
I know Billy and he is NOT a crook! gmaof3, you also called me a "squatter" and I was nothing of the sort. Oh, one more rule I see "Be nice"... gmaof3, can you be nice, please?
..and snarley, you are accusing Billy of "keeping the money under the table" for one you do not make sense and two for you to accuse someone of wrong doing you better have some information to back it up. My guess is that you don't even know Billy but you suffer from the same low self-esteem problem that gmaof3 does.

Scarfing up properties and renting them to ANYONE, with those said properties in disrepair should be illegal. And to the case of people not paying the rent, I feel for them, but don't expect me to be thrilled with the idea that this Billy character should receive any breaks or financial aide because he can't run his "business".

The reason our country is in this mess today, is based on the housing crisis. And to ALL THE BILLYS in the country granted loans but not being able to pay the mortgage.

18 properties? 18??? Did he even consider the chance that one or maybe two tenants wouldn't pay the rent? Let alone most of them? Stupid!

He's in default! What's the worst that will happen to him? He'll file for bankruptcy and move on. Then Wells Fargo is left with properties that need to be sold in this market and the Andersons are stuck with default notes for taxes not paid and back rent. He has seriously screwed over a lot of people, besides the people who actually PAID the rent!

No gmaof3 you aren't vindicated and there is still ZERO evidence that this guy is a crook as you accuse him to be. Typically people work and earn a paycheck and use that to pay their mortgage, in this case his job is being a landlord, and when he's not receiving his income (rent), he can't pay his mortgage. Vindication, in your case, will only come if he loses his properties and is somehow found to have been taking money and not paying the mortgage which sounds very unlikely. The guy buys old slum properties, fixes them up, and has the heart to allow people (who would be be home less if he didn't) continue to live there even when they are significantly behind on rent. No, it may not have been the smartest move, but its one that few people would be willing to do without evicting their tenants.

Wow! Guess I'm vindicated, eh? Crooks can be "nice guys" too.

Being a slumlord is a rough business unless you are able to get section 8 housing where the government (taxpayers) guarantee the rent payments. These section 8 properties are highly coveted among the slumlord fraternity. This does not cure the multitude of other problems, but it does guarantee the rent payments.

This guys heart is in the right spot, but his mind must be missing a few screws. I wish I could live in his place for free....

Drawing up foreclosure papers, or even filing for foreclosure, is hardly the last word. A borrower may reach a loan modification or repayment plan with the lender, or if no other options are available, file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in which all arrearages of secured debts are repaid over a 3 to 5 year period.
.
In normal times a landlord in this kind of trouble would simply shed a few properties to reclaim equity and focus his attention on a smaller portfolio. But in this market, buildings are selling for a fraction of their assessed value. If Kesselring can come to agreements or go through bankruptcy, holding onto the properties until the lending markets stabilize and he can sell them for something closer to his investment is a better deal.

Even if the tenants are laid off and getting unemployment, you'd think the first thing they'd pay is rent, then food.
But with someone like Billy, who seems to be softhearted, they blow him off. Now they will be homeless and looking for other agencies to bail them out.

what a bunch of bull this guy is a crook.he can pay but he rather keep the money under the table. You can't tell me all the tenants are laid off.?????