Solley was standing in front of Jane and Dick’s apartment, waiting for them to return from a run.

“Y’all folks noticed there be help-wanted signs up and down the block?” he asked.

Solley enjoys using street talk with certain of his renters.

“Only reason I bring it up is your rent be due two days ago.”

The man is a highly successful landlord in a neighborhood where collecting rent can be a struggle.

His major marketing advantage is that he doesn’t bother with credit scores, a fact that helped Dick and Jane get their lease.

“I’m one of them Rand Paul, Tom Cotton libertarians.” he said. “I don’t get cops and courts involved. If my renters don’t pay on time, I can get ‘em relocated in a matter of days. It’s a special courtesy I offer.”

“Give us a week, Solly.” Dick asked. “We’re closing in on a project that’ll straighten out our financial problems.”

“If that falls through,” Solly replied, pointing toward 18th NW, “my car wash is offering signing bonuses.”

Pat Shiplett

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Pat Shiplett

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