Looking to Learn – Boots on the Ground in Kansas (Pittsburg & Emporia)

[Randall Stich]

Hi everyone,

I’m new to the investing world and just getting started here in Kansas. I’m based near some of the smaller college towns like Pittsburg and Emporia, and I’d really like to connect with experienced investors who might be looking at these markets or have worked in similar areas.

I’m here to learn. I truly want to make a go of this, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes. I grew up on a family farm, so I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty or work hard if that’s what’s needed.

If you’ve got experience with small market investing, creative financing, rentals, or flips, I’d be grateful for the chance to hear how you approach things.

I’m happy to be helpful however I can here on the ground in Kansas — whether that means taking photos, walking properties, or just sharing local insights. If you’re open to sharing your experience or letting me observe how you work a deal, I’d truly appreciate the opportunity.

Thanks for reading, and I’m grateful for any advice, stories, or guidance you’re willing to share.

Best,
Randall Stich

[Seth McGathey]

Sounds like you are on the right path with the right mindset! 

Do you house hack your primary yet? If not, why not? 

I have an odd but interesting credit trick I sort of just fell into. It might be hard to find, but I happened to get my primary properties HELOC with a bank that allows you to pay it off via credit card. This allowed me to use my HELOC to pay buy a property, then each month I pay off the HELOC with my credit cards, and just before the credit cards close, I pay them off with the HELOC. This was a quadruple win for me. I got to use my HELOC to buy a property, bringing in $500 worth of cashflow. I got to avoid most of the interest from my HELOC because it is sitting on my credit cards throughout the month. I get to collect point for monthly for money I only spent once. And the one most relevant to you, I spiked my credit about 50 points over a couple months because they keep seeing me use and then immediately pay off $50,000-$80,000 worth of credit each month.

Some important caveats for this:

Watch out for fees! If the bank charges you a fee for credit card payments, this is probably not worth it. 

Do not forget to pay off the card before it closes! If you miss the date even by an hour, you are being charged your normal credit card interest rate. Which is likely as much as 3x your HELOC rate. I have reminders set and always try to pay it off a full day or two early just in case.

My credit card company has gotten a bit suspicious, even called me to see what was going on, but I vaguely but honestly told them I invest in real estate and use my HELOC to pay for things, then use my credit cards to pay off the HELOC and pay off the cards when I have the funds to pay them off. What I don't tell them is that I always have the funds since the HELOC is paying the cards right back off.