In Search of: YOUR HUMBLE BRAG

[Loryn Bamberg]

Hi Bigger Pocket-ers!

I am looking for your free advice, I know everyone loves talking about themselves, I mean I know I do, so PLEASE tell me all about you!

Before I ask my questions let me tell ya about myself!

In 2014 we bought our first house, although my husband made around 130k a opted for a 'good deal' because of who I am as a human. Put 2,000 into it, and profitted 40,000 after it sold . 

In 2015, we bought a house for 262,000 and it now is worth around 311-320k. We pay 1400 in mortgage and rent it out for 1700 (which is VERY low for the area and we will be charging $1900-2100 next year, we were just in a rush to rent this time around).

This year we bought the house we live in and owe 250k and it's worth about 296,000.

I am 30 years old, and a stay at home mom. I have worked really hard to score these "great deals", and at the time I chalked it up to good luck, but now I believe I am really on to something! I love chasing instant equity homes, the relentless back and fourth of offers and counters, scouring the interest for the next GREAT DEAL. All the time and I have decided I should do this more aggressively. My husband has an income now of 200k a year and I find it wont be hard to get approved for loans.

So whats my next step? I'm reading, listening, searching and educating myself about all things REI, but I'm still a newbie. My overall goal is the same as most of you. For my husband and I to retire early (Ok--- mostly my husband since I am a SAHM) and just make REI our/my full time job. I spend hours house hunting, going to open houses, looking at comps, and demos just for fun -- so I think naturally becoming a Realtor would be in the best interest for me? I don't plan to join the rat race of realtors in my small community. Those of you who REI full time, are you also a Realtor?

Also, I know it all depends on the deal, but a few of my options are: 

MFH (maybe 4 plex) in low/low middle class central Phoenix 

SFH in a nicer area in phoenix

Duplex/condo in Lake Havasu to attempt for vacation rentals

So those of you who wouldn't mind sharing your advice I would GREATLY appreciate any! Please tell me about yourself and your investments and FEEL FREE TO HUMBLE BRAG!!