Brooklyn, NY · Member since 2014 · 174 posts · 23 votes
I cant find a single property that I would be able to buy in a half decent neighborhood utilizing the 2% rule. I looked in almost all of florida. Maybe a trailer park home, but then again, the land rental fee or whatever will kill any positive cash flow...
Investor · Boca Raton, FL · Member since 2012 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
11y
@Martin S. You're right, there's practically no areas of Florida that produce 2%, maybe in some of the northern and rural regions. The best you'll find is about 1.5%. To get 2%, need to look at the mid west in 'C' or 'D' areas.
Real Estate Investor · Saint Petersburg, FL · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 951 votes
11y
I buy in FL and have no problem getting 2% and I can get 4% in low income areas (that I still feel safe going into). Keep looking. You aren't going to get new construction at that price but you can get good rentals in middle class areas.
I buy in FL and have no problem getting 2% and I can get 4% in low income areas (that I still feel safe going into). Keep looking. You aren't going to get new construction at that price but you can get good rentals in middle class areas.
Brooklyn, NY · Member since 2014 · 174 posts · 23 votes
11y
So HOW do I look, other than on MLS? Cuz me and 99% of the world doesn't know how to search other than MLS listed properties, ok maybe there are some on craigslist, who knows...
So HOW do I look, other than on MLS? Cuz me and 99% of the world doesn't know how to search other than MLS listed properties, ok maybe there are some on craigslist, who knows...
Marketing. Wholesalers. Driving for dollars. Be creative.
Have you looked in Palm Bay? 2% is possible there. Not beautiful stuff but there are decent neighborhoods with reasonable priced properties. Just check them out first.
Investor · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2012 · 1k+ posts · 655 votes
11y
The 2% rule isn't set in stone it's a "rule of thumb" that some people use. Some people go with 1.5% some people go with 1% just all depends on your area and what you're comfortable with. You can't have it all so you're going to have to sacrifice somewhere. If you want a better neighborhood with less headaches then you're probably going to sacrifice on the cashflow. It's risk vs reward.
Developer · Garland, TX · Member since 2008 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
11y
Market directly to property owners (hint: search "yellow letters"), form relationships with wholesalers, network in your farm areas, attend REIA's, and reach out to BP members in your farm area. I've purchased less than 15% of mine from MLS.
Brooklyn, NY · Member since 2014 · 174 posts · 23 votes
11y
When people want to sell their house, they go to a real estate agent. How is marketing going to help me? I've always saw those "We Buy Houses, for CASH" signs as BS, just dirt bags trying to rip people off. I'm sure 99.9% of people willing to sell their house would list it on MLS. Wholesalers are probably those dirt bags, trying to rip the next person off, yes I've gotten a list of properties from a wholesaler, and I could have done much better on the MLS, their prices were just stupid.
No problem getting 2% in FL, he even gets 4%, lol. WHERE? Show proof, address, Zillow link, etc...
Don't forget I did mention "half decent neighborhood" don't show me some meth lab house or crack house...
I've posted several of my recent properties in this thread. It'll also show you nice properties in other areas and just about every property in that thread should exceed the 2% rule.
I'm not going to out every property I've ever purchased. I do this for a living and if you want to make money it's going to require some work on your part, more than just looking on realtor.com.
No problem getting 2% in FL, he even gets 4%, lol. WHERE? Show proof, address, Zillow link, etc...
Don't forget I did mention "half decent neighborhood" don't show me some meth lab house or crack house...
Wow, good luck getting someone to spoonfeed you what you're looking for....If 2% properties don't exist like you say then maybe investing isn't for you.
Charlotte, NC · Member since 2014 · 19 posts · 6 votes
11y
I was informed by my real estate agent that investors came into Charlotte from California over a year ago and were looking for 1% properties. This tells me that if I want 1% or better, I can't be looking on the MLS where everyone else is. I'm sure there are 2% properties out there, I just need to get to them before they are public knowledge to other investors in my area.
Side note, I wish I had the cash to purchase 5-10 properties, if I did I'd be trying to build relationships with people here who could help guide me in the direction to find a use for the $. Just a thought..
When people want to sell their house, they go to a real estate agent. How is marketing going to help me? I've always saw those "We Buy Houses, for CASH" signs as BS, just dirt bags trying to rip people off. I'm sure 99.9% of people willing to sell their house would list it on MLS. Wholesalers are probably those dirt bags, trying to rip the next person off, yes I've gotten a list of properties from a wholesaler, and I could have done much better on the MLS, their prices were just stupid.
Whats driving for dollars?
People wanting to sell a house for RETAIL list on MLS. People NEEDING to sell a house with issues sell to wholesalers, flippers and investors.
And FYI wholesalers come in all types, just like any other profession. Some are skilled, and provide value, some don't. Some know what they are doing, some don't. Many threads about that.
Canal Winchester, OH · Member since 2014 · 151 posts · 55 votes
11y
if you have the cash to buy 5-10 properties give me a call and i will help you buy your 10 properties here in the columbus area get your 2% and i will hook you up with an amazing property management company. But i will tell you that you will be buying rehab properties fixing them and then renting them out. just saying....
I am assuming that you are not meaning to come across the way it seems in your posts. I have found many 2-4% deals over the years mainly in smaller towns in Texas but it takes some research and work to get it done. If is was as easy as writing a check....everyone would be doing it. Well maybe not cause most people are broke !
People on BP are not the 99.9% that "just list on the MLS" There is a ton of great resources on this site and some great advise as well.
Omaha, NE · Member since 2014 · 201 posts · 85 votes
11y
I agree with it being hard to find the 2% rule in a non crime-ridden area or trailer park. I have been searching daily for single family and multi's for about the last 2 months and have seen 2% only on properties that something seemed a bit off with them. (large 5,000 SF house supposedly made into 12 units ..... just seem like something I should avoid)
the best Ive been able to come up with is around 1.6%, providing I can get someone to take a 15% below asking offer (recent example, didnt work either).
but again, i guess with 2 months I just simply havent been in the search long enough. im hopeful something will pop up that fits. surely by 3 or 4 months I should be able to find something dont you think? how long does it take you guys to find a rental deal typically?
Irvine, CA · Member since 2013 · 144 posts · 67 votes
11y
@Martin S. First off, as everyone else has said, the 2% rule is just a rule of thumb to help quickly analyze a property. Based on your risk tolerance and your own investment philosophy, if it doesn't work for you, then create your own criteria to go by and that makes sense for you.
Second, I wouldn't count on people to just hand over to you a list of homes that are turnkey and fit the 2-4% rule. You're on a forum full of investors, so if there's a home run deal, they'll probably keep it for themselves. There's people on here that do run their business to sell turnkey properties, but at the same time, you still need to do your homework.
Again, you're on a forum full of investors that are making deals everyday. I would suggest to change your approach and rather than ask people to send you deals that fit the rule, ask how they're finding their deals and learn the strategies. I an promise you that the real deals are not coming from the MLS. Also, those bandit signs and wholesalers that you talk down about, you may want to start there and reach out to them as they may have deals. Sure, there are those who don't know what they are doing, but once you find a competent team, things work a lot better.
Attorney · Worton, MD · Member since 2014 · 274 posts · 195 votes
11y
Martin - I feel your pain. I am still looking for that perfect property for my first deal, but I will say that I have come across a couple of listed properties that meet the 2% rule in my area. The trouble for me is they are multi units that are well above my price point. Keep at it. You will find the right one, and when you do, you will experience firsthand the wisdom of that rule. I know lots of people who did deals on a tighter margine and lost their shirt. Now, on top of not having the deal, they have a shaky track record to deal with. Wait for the right deal and use conservative projections. Good luck.