Looking for expansion, new direction

[Sebastian Naczas]

Hi All,

I have invested in RE since 2015.  Got 4 rental residential single/multifamily houses.  It's been quite a few years, since I bought anything.  The reason being I thought I had enough of RE, and hard to get a normal loan since I already had the current mortgages.  Also I don't have a 9-5 job.

Buying with 20-25% down is rather hard at this moment.  However I've been looking at houses prices and equity is up on all of them, so a part of me is wondering if I can expand now based on that.  I'm successful in finding good tenants and maintaining houses.  So I'd see myself heading that direction, or heading for a lot larger multifamily (5+, bare min).  Maybe doing something in commercial side, or land.  

Anyhow I'm looking for some inspiration from more experienced folks.  Given the position where I'm at and the possible resources, what would you do if you were in my shoes and how would you go about it?

I'd really appreciate any input or direction you could point me.

Thank you!!! 

[Melissa Justice]

Hey @Sebastian Naczas - thanks for sharing your journey! Sounds like you've already laid a solid foundation with your rentals and tenant management. It’s totally natural to hit that “what’s next?” phase, especially after some years off from buying.

Given your experience and equity position, this could actually be a great time to leverage what you’ve already built. Tapping into your existing equity via a cash-out refi or HELOC might give you the capital needed to buy without the same out-of-pocket burden — especially if you're open to exploring out-of-state markets where your dollar goes further.

A lot of investors I work with at Rent to Retirement have been in similar situations — hit that financing wall, stepped back for a while — and then got back in the game by shifting to new markets or strategies. We help folks get into fully renovated, cash-flowing properties in landlord-friendly states, and many of them buy using non-QM loans or creative financing options that don’t require a W-2 or 9–5 job.

Happy to chat if you want to brainstorm ideas or see what’s working for others in your position. Keep pushing forward — the fact that you’re asking means you’re already on the right track!

Wishing you much success!

Melissa Justice

Investment Strategist at Rent to Retirement