A Scenario for my Next Steps to Investing in Real Estate

A Scenario for my Next Steps to Investing in Real Estate

Rental Property Investor · Harrisburg, PA · Member since 2019 · 27 posts · 10 votes

As a novice investor, I am contemplating my next strategic moves in the realm of investment. Let me outline my current situation for you: I am the owner of a sole rental property I purchased in 2014 at the age of 24. The property currently hovers around breaking even or slightly negative cash flows, which never bothered me because the tenants cover my mortgage. I’m partial to the property for a few reasons: it previously served as my first and primary residence, it consists of a mobile home resting on a 10-acre parcel of land, and my family has recently acquired the adjoining 40 acres that bounds my land in New Cumberland, PA. I never plan to sell this property for these reasons and could potentially build a house there in the future. I just don’t want to build now because of the revenue stream.

In light of this backdrop, given my available funds, would it be wise to pay off the remaining $30k mortgage? Which would be a potential savings of approximately $5k in interest but also will shift the property's financial trajectory toward a positive cash flow scenario.

As an alternative, would you use these funds to procure an additional property that cash flows to start growing my personal portfolio which is my goal. I could also look at raising my tenant’s rent which is currently $650 / month (for a decent single wide, one-bedroom mobile home).

Let me know your thoughts or DM me if you have anymore questions.

Thanks!

Branden

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Contractor · Scottsdale, AZ · Member since 2010 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
3y

Here is my 2 cents...

- Keep the property (this one is obvious)

- Raise the tenants rent

- Do not pay off the $30k mortgage

- Get a HELOC on the property to tap into more equity (Although might be challenging due to this is a mobile home. You'll have to shop around.)

- Use your savings + HELOC funds to buy another deal

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  • Contractor · Scottsdale, AZ · Member since 2010 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    3y

    Here is my 2 cents...

    - Keep the property (this one is obvious)

    - Raise the tenants rent

    - Do not pay off the $30k mortgage

    - Get a HELOC on the property to tap into more equity (Although might be challenging due to this is a mobile home. You'll have to shop around.)

    - Use your savings + HELOC funds to buy another deal

  • Rental Property Investor · Harrisburg, PA · Member since 2019 · 27 posts · 10 votes
    3y

    @Scott E. Thanks for your input! That's exactly what I was thinking. I was considering using the HELOC for the renovations of the new property as well, assuming it would need some minor renovations.

  • Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2023 · 55 posts · 25 votes
    3y

    @Branden Wintermyer 

    Yes, do what @Scott E. suggests.

    And look into First National bank asap.

    I’m getting a 5.89% fixed home equity loan on my house. Lowest interest i have found. 

    Having the money available for what goods are sure to come will be invaluable.

  • Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2020 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    3y

    @Branden Wintermyer, if you can save 5k/yr on a 30k mortgage balance, what is your rate? I am assuming there was a lot of pay down over time, but your "ROI" on paying down your mortgage is 16%. That's pretty big return that could be hard to find by buying another property.

    Generally, I am all for leverage and scale.  It diversifies risk and allows any appreciation to be magnified.  And as you do this, while the focus should always be cashflow, you can start to look at things as a portfolio, where you may have unit that has negative cashflow, but the portfolio is in a better position by having this, assuming there is equity that is being leveraged to increase your net cash flow.

  • Rental Property Investor · Harrisburg, PA · Member since 2019 · 27 posts · 10 votes
    3y

    @Account Closed Thank you! I will look into that HELOC asap. Have a good day!

  • Rental Property Investor · Harrisburg, PA · Member since 2019 · 27 posts · 10 votes
    3y

    @Evan Polaski Thank You for replying. Yes, I should of mention I think the savings would be 5k for the life of the loan not per year. My interest is 6.73%. I will look to scale buy trying to soon acquire another property. 

    Thanks again,

    Branden

  • Michael SmytheBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Metro Detroit · Member since 2023 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    3y

    You really make money in real estate using other's money to leverage your investments.

    You might want to look into putting some tiny houses on your land to generate more cashflow. They'd be temporary, so you could remove them when you are ready to build there.

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