Evaluating - Goals / Plan of attack

Evaluating - Goals / Plan of attack

Rental Property Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes

First official thread on BP besides an intro, I can't wait to look back on this in a few years and laugh at myself. :D

I am researching what will fit best for my needs as an entry into this business. As a single male with no expenses, dependents or write offs I'm getting killed on taxes. So I am seeking a way battle that while also allowing me a way into the real estate business. I am debt free, have solid savings and add 4-5k to it each month. My only expenses right now are food and rent the rest is covered by my employer.

I currently rent a 3/2 near the beach and sublet two rooms. Allows for cheap rent and its worked well for two years. So one option would be to purchase a similar home slightly further away from the coast and do the same thing. Homes in my current area are in the 4-500k range, 2-3 miles inland they can be found from anywhere in the 150-250 range. Rooms rent for 5-700 around here.

It has also been suggested I look at a cheaper condo in the 80-150 range and rent it out, something about condos scares me though.

I have access to a lot of resources where I grew up in Michigan in one of the few growing cities there but I would rather be local to my first investment if possible.

I am still in research mode but as I sit here and read I realize I've got to post even if they are dumb questions and some guidance would help. Then I can direct my attention more specifically in one direction instead of just racing around the forum with little to no direction.

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Landlord · Seattle, WA · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
15y

Rehabbing is going to be an active endeavor and is very much a business. You can learn a lot from fellow flippers here.

You may be able to qualify as a real estate professional if you are actively flipping and buying rental properties. This can have huge tax advantages.

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  • Investor · Rancho Cucamonga, CA · Member since 2008 · 1k+ posts · 684 votes
    15y

    You might want to check out the www.NSDREI.org their monthly meeting is tonight. Pretty good club.

    I think you would be a lot better of buying a house versus condo.. if you can buy a 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom for 150k with an FHA loan you should have very little down and you can rent out two rooms that which will cover most of your payments.

    Are you planning on staying in the area for a long-time?

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  • Rental Property Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    15y
    Originally posted by Steve L.:
    You might want to check out the www.NSDREI.org their monthly meeting is tonight. Pretty good club.

    I think you would be a lot better of buying a house versus condo.. if you can buy a 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom for 150k with an FHA loan you should have very little down and you can rent out two rooms that which will cover most of your payments.

    Are you planning on staying in the area for a long-time?

    Hey Steve,

    I don't plan on going anywhere and just love Oceanside. Its a shame I cannot afford my current neighborhood. I'd hate to leave it but sacrifices must be made. The market here took a major hit and houses slightly inland took about a 50% hit where more coastal maybe 30% based on what I've researched.

    I might just make it out tonight to get started, is there a dress code at these events? I always joke that board shorts and sandals are business casual here in California.

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  • Landlord · Seattle, WA · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    15y

    I usually start with my long term desires when developing goals. Whee do you want to be at in 10 or 20 years.

    Are you looking to be actively involved in RE?

    It sounds like you are primarily looking at tax savings. Some of the best tax savings come from rental properties. If your AGI though is over 100K you may find that rental property doesn't help on your current taxes unless you are able to qualify as a real estate professional.

    Understanding what you hope to accomplish will help us give you some help with your goals.

    If you are looking to research RE investing then Bigger Pockets is a great place to learn. As you develop specific question feel free to research them and ask your questions here in the forums.

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  • Rental Property Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    15y

    Charles,

    I am interested in being active in real estate, I'm not exactly sure how yet but yes this is more than just for tax purposes and it sounds like I'm SOL on that one due to my AGI.

    My first interest was in finding a way into this business as a second source of income/new challenge/experience. Then after reading more I thought about tax benefits and that became a factor.

    Long term goals? Perhaps too soon to say, rental units would be optimal although on a short term I see my future being in rehabs since I have more access to resources in this area and I feel its a better starting point for me.

    My apologies, it was a pretty scatter brained post.

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  • Landlord · Seattle, WA · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    15y

    Rehabbing is going to be an active endeavor and is very much a business. You can learn a lot from fellow flippers here.

    You may be able to qualify as a real estate professional if you are actively flipping and buying rental properties. This can have huge tax advantages.

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  • Rental Property Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    15y

    Thanks for the input, everything you mentioned is of interest to me.

    Is there anywhere on this forum or elsewhere you would suggest I could look for more information on this?

    Thanks!

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  • Landlord · Seattle, WA · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    15y

    Tim,

    I would suggest you get to know J Scott, Connect with him, read his forums posts and articles. He also has a blog where he goes into great detail talking about his rehabs.

    There are other flippers as well and if you explore the rehab forum you will be sure to find them. A big part of RE investing is your connections. Information is helpful, but it is your connections that often lead to actually getting started in RE.

    Bryan Alenky would be also a good one to get to know. He is a younger investor that is well on his way to success in real estate.

    Don't underestimate the importance of connections. Bigger Pockets is a great place to connect and as we get to know you you will have more and more opportunities to connect.

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  • Rental Property Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    15y

    Thanks for your input, I'll take that advice and get on it.

    Connections are where its at, I'm a networking junkie so its time to get to work.

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  • Specialist · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 852 votes
    15y

    I have a friend that is a private lender, also owns plenty of property and rents! He lives on the water(lake Erie) in Cleveland Ohio, and loves life. I would not be so anxious to buy your own place. If you are single, you may marry a girl that is not cool with where you bought, so you will have to move anyhow. stay mobile until miss right comes along and keep investing. Maybe take advantage of your connections in Michigan or even look in Cleveland. There are some sexy deals in the rust belt!!! :D

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