Is now a good time to invest in properties in Orlando FL?

[Cora Bennett]

I am eager to start a new career in real estate investing, but I only have about $15k to play with and can't afford any big mistakes (I have two small children and don't want to get into debt trying to make money!) My husband and I would like to work together to achieve a more financially secure future (that and I'm terribly bored sitting behind a desk all day making other people rich!) I have read a few books and used to work at a real estate investment company in California, but have MUCH to learn. I want to know if right now is a good time to get into real estate investing in Orlando FL. Any feedback or advice would be much appreciated, thank you for your time!

[Nathan Emmert]

Lots of ways to invest, some require absolutely no cash and have very little risk... what sort of real estate "investing" are you looking to do?

If you want to flip... how stable are the home prices? Your risk is your ability to judge ARV accurately ahead of time.

If you're going to buy and hold for appreciation, I think Florida is a bad short term play but given how hard areas have been hit, in 30 years prices are bound to have gone up.

If you're looking to be a landlord, cash flow calculations are pretty easy. Make sure you understand the rental rates for your areas. Also I understand insurance requirements and property taxes in Florida to be rough so definitely hold that 50% expense ratio if not a bit higher.

If you're going to wholesale, you're essentially flipping without doing the rehab. Same risks.

Lots you can do... you can simply birddog if you want to, no risk there.

What are your goals? What's your tolerance for risk? What's your time frame for achieving your goals?