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Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
19
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54
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How do i start flipping houses by myself?

Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
Posted Dec 1 2020, 08:34

Hi!

I’m 21 i want to start flipping houses in my area (Baltimore) but don’t know where to start I’m in school for psychology to be a doctor but i really want to invest in real estate too.

I watch videos about it all day and read articles, and probably will get my real estate license soon just to learn more and have more connections.

I’ve asked a least 5 people i would run a business with if they would like to start flipping houses with me and they’re all procrastinating, saying it’s too much, or whatever excuse is out there.

At this point i just want to dive in by myself, but i need a plan and a mentor. I know i need a hard money loan, a contractor, probably a house inspector, and many more things. A decent budget, etc. !

It’s a huge risk doing it, and even more if you’re doing it by yourself but I’m really eager to learn so I’m really open to advice.

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Taylor Wrice-Brooks
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Washington, DC
17
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39
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Taylor Wrice-Brooks
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Washington, DC
Replied Dec 2 2020, 07:55

@Tyana Blackledge hey!

I think we’re in similar boats when it comes to asking others for some partnership and hearing crickets on their end.

Well, I’m also looking in the Baltimore market since inventory is relatively cheap. Now, my only question to the BP community would be your best options to get started. Would that be house-hacking, flipping or going with wholesaling.

Personally, I’ve found “wholesaling” as a good starter point to get your feet wet in the investor industry without any capitol although others may beg to differ. You’re able to source out property and there’s so many ways on doing so. I’m confused on whether you purchase the property outright, or just provide the seller with a contract stating you will “eventually” have someone take ownership of the property or out of that original owners hands.

Definitely, continue to read as much as a possible and take advantage of the “Rookie” podcasts. They’ve been helping me with understanding a bit more on being an investor instead of a PM. I’ll go through this journey with you, so feel free to reach out.

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39
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Taylor Wrice-Brooks
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Washington, DC
17
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39
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Taylor Wrice-Brooks
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Washington, DC
Replied Dec 2 2020, 07:57

@Zachary Ray I like this idea. You'd have to refinance obviously and sell with new appraisal value or ARV? Please, explain steps on selling after two years..

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User Stats

39
Posts
17
Votes
Taylor Wrice-Brooks
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Washington, DC
17
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39
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Taylor Wrice-Brooks
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Washington, DC
Replied Dec 2 2020, 07:58

@Stephanie Assi can I join? Im also in the DMV area looking to go right in on something.

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13
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Stephanie Assi
  • Investor
  • Washington D.C. Metro area
7
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13
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Stephanie Assi
  • Investor
  • Washington D.C. Metro area
Replied Dec 2 2020, 08:10

@Taylor Wrice-Brooks Sure I will PM you!

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199
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Forrest Williams
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Chicagoland
199
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314
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Forrest Williams
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Chicagoland
Replied Dec 2 2020, 09:33

@Tyana Blackledge @Nate Pena I'm a big fan of the live in flip/house hack. I'm currently doing my 4th in the Chicago area. Several reasons why I think everyone should do a house hack: It teaches you repair skills you don't have. I could spend $200-300 on a plumber to install a bathroom faucet, or I can spend an hour learning how to do it via youtube, buying the parts, and doing it myself. Now I know how to change a faucet next time I need to, and I saved money.

It's a cheaper point of entry. Instead of getting a hard money loan or having to save up 20% for a down payment, you can get a house for between 3.5 and 5%. Get a dated one that needs a few improvements. While you live in it, you can fix up or upgrade items when you get the funds. Speaking of-

You can fill the house with roommates and start making money from the start. If you have a couple friends, great! If not, craigslist, Airbnb, Zillow, and Facebook marketplace are all great ways to find roommates. Just make sure they know you'll be doing some upgrades.

If you buy a house and it's your primary residence, you have to live there for one year. If you want to sell it and avoid capital gains tax, you have to live in it two years. So don't feel like you need to rush your repairs for a three month turn around. When you're done with it, you can keep it and rent it out or sell it, hopefully for a profit. Either way, I think house hacking is the best possible way to start your career. Why pay someone to mentor you when you can be your own mentor? That being said, feel free to reach out if you want any tips or to talk about experiences. Good luck!

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Crystal Smith
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Chicago, IL
1,607
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2,585
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Crystal Smith
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Chicago, IL
ModeratorReplied Dec 3 2020, 02:38
Originally posted by @Tyana Blackledge:

Hi!

I’m 21 i want to start flipping houses in my area (Baltimore) but don’t know where to start I’m in school for psychology to be a doctor but i really want to invest in real estate too.

I watch videos about it all day and read articles, and probably will get my real estate license soon just to learn more and have more connections.

I’ve asked a least 5 people i would run a business with if they would like to start flipping houses with me and they’re all procrastinating, saying it’s too much, or whatever excuse is out there.

At this point i just want to dive in by myself, but i need a plan and a mentor. I know i need a hard money loan, a contractor, probably a house inspector, and many more things. A decent budget, etc. !

It’s a huge risk doing it, and even more if you’re doing it by yourself but I’m really eager to learn so I’m really open to advice.

1. Join as many REI groups as possible within 100 mile radius & start attending their meetings. Even the virtual ones.

2. Find a group that plays Robert Kiyosaki's cash flow game in the area and start playing with them. If you can't find a group create one.

3. Network w/ investor-friendly realtors and become an assistant to a realtor prior to pursuing your license

4. Items 1-3 are all intended to get you around like-minded people and building your network. From these people, you'll find contractors, lawyers, money, partners, deals. 

5. Your going to school to get a degree in psychology. Start treating the real estate business the same way you're treating your psychology business. Take items 1-4 and combine it with continuous education & before you know it you'll be flipping houses

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User Stats

54
Posts
19
Votes
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
19
Votes |
54
Posts
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
Replied Dec 3 2020, 04:12

@Jessica Brennan i don’t know where to start

User Stats

54
Posts
19
Votes
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
19
Votes |
54
Posts
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
Replied Dec 3 2020, 04:14

@Jack Bobeck thank you!

User Stats

54
Posts
19
Votes
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
19
Votes |
54
Posts
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
Replied Dec 3 2020, 04:16

@Zachary Ray the houses in Baltimore aren’t the kind i would share with someone cause i have to keep in mind the people in the area (can’t trust a lot of people)

User Stats

54
Posts
19
Votes
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
19
Votes |
54
Posts
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
Replied Dec 3 2020, 04:17

@Jack Bobeck thank you! I’ll look into those programs

User Stats

54
Posts
19
Votes
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
19
Votes |
54
Posts
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
Replied Dec 3 2020, 04:19

@Stephanie Assi hi and thank you! I’d love to connect with you too!

User Stats

54
Posts
19
Votes
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
19
Votes |
54
Posts
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
Replied Dec 3 2020, 04:20

@Taylor Wrice-Brooks thank you I’d love to connect!

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User Stats

54
Posts
19
Votes
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
19
Votes |
54
Posts
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
Replied Dec 3 2020, 04:21

@Forrest Williams thank you!

User Stats

54
Posts
19
Votes
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
19
Votes |
54
Posts
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
Replied Dec 3 2020, 04:23

@Crystal Smith yes! That’s what I’m doing now. I’ve joined a lot of groups including making an account with BP to try and find mentors

User Stats

36
Posts
24
Votes
Jessica Brennan
  • Investor
  • Illinois and Iowa
24
Votes |
36
Posts
Jessica Brennan
  • Investor
  • Illinois and Iowa
Replied Dec 3 2020, 06:10

@Tyana Blackledge message me if you have any questions, I'm willing to help, I remember feeling lost before I got started! 

User Stats

54
Posts
20
Votes
Adam Zdunek
  • Insurance Agent
  • Pittsburgh, PA
20
Votes |
54
Posts
Adam Zdunek
  • Insurance Agent
  • Pittsburgh, PA
Replied Dec 3 2020, 13:19

Best of luck Tyana.

For more understand regarding the insurance I would google independent insurance agents around you to start.  They would be able to give you an understanding about what they will need from you regarding insuring your flips.

User Stats

54
Posts
19
Votes
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
19
Votes |
54
Posts
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
Replied Dec 3 2020, 15:07

@Adam Zdunek thank you!

User Stats

17
Posts
26
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Will Gebbie
  • New to Real Estate
  • Morristown, NJ
26
Votes |
17
Posts
Will Gebbie
  • New to Real Estate
  • Morristown, NJ
Replied Dec 3 2020, 15:39

@Tyana Blackledge attend a local meetup and find someone that is doing what you want to do. Bring a deal to them that meets their criteria and tag along to learn. Don’t focus on making money for yourself at first, just try and learn the process

User Stats

486
Posts
302
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Jaquetta T Ragland
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Winston Salem, NC
302
Votes |
486
Posts
Jaquetta T Ragland
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Winston Salem, NC
Replied Dec 3 2020, 17:44

@Tyana Blackledge I would suggest getting a team in place; lenders, realtor, attorney, contractors, etc.

User Stats

54
Posts
19
Votes
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
19
Votes |
54
Posts
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
Replied Dec 3 2020, 18:19

@Jaquetta Turner thank you

User Stats

23
Posts
10
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Marcus Hairston
  • Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
10
Votes |
23
Posts
Marcus Hairston
  • Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
Replied Dec 5 2020, 00:10

@Tyana Blackledge Hello Tyana, I'm an investor, realtor and contractor investing in your area. I have been flipping houses all over MD especially Baltimore. Get connected with the local REIAs and Meetup groups in the Baltimore area. It's an excellent place to build your team and find people who will support you. If you need more specific information and a list of groups in your area just send me a message and I would be happy to provide you with more information and assist you with getting started. 

User Stats

54
Posts
19
Votes
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
19
Votes |
54
Posts
Tyana Blackledge
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
Replied Dec 5 2020, 00:25

@Marcus Hairston hi ! I’m sending a message now!

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