Recent College Grad looking to get food in the door

Upstate New York, New York
General Real Estate Investing
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Recent College Grad looking to get food in the door

Michael Basile
Member since 2025 · 5 posts · 14 votes
I’m from Long Island Ny the housing prices here are insane. So I’ve looked to upstate ny near Binghamton and Cortland what caught my eye was the lower housing prices and big student investing presence. Little nervous being young and having no experience and also being 4-5 hours away from where I am looking. Currently have about 30k saved and wonder what my next steps would be.
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Mohammed Rahman
Real Estate Broker · New York, NY · Member since 2020 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
11mo

Hey Michael!

I'm Mo, a real estate broker out here in NYC and Long Island (and an investor as well!).

What @Anthony Abruzzo said! I love your enthusiasm and initiative — getting curious and asking questions early is exactly how most successful investors start.

I think your next best move is to speak with a few different lenders, so you can understand the full range of financing programs available to you. Each lender may have slightly different products, underwriting standards, and creative options that could open doors you didn’t realize were there.

Once you understand your buying power, you can start tailoring a strategy that fits your goals. There are so many possibilities! You can house hack and even JV with someone more experienced. There are a lot of ways to break into investing, and a bit of creativity can go a long way in this business.

If you want to bounce around ideas or need help finding the right lender, feel free to PM me!

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  • Nicholas L.Pro Member
    Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    11mo

    @Michael Basile

    can you make a house hack work on LI

    the prices are insane because there is so much demand

    1Reply
  • Anthony Abruzzo
    Member since 2025 · 4 posts · 5 votes
    11mo

    Hi Michael!

    Also a LI native that moved upstate NY! Purchasing a property is typically a big/long-term investment, so its great that you're feeling it out & researching rather than jumping in too early. Your first step is to talk to a lender to discuss what you can afford and what programs you may be eligible for as a first time homebuyer. From that point on, you can better understand your own situation and determine your strategy in real estate investing. 

    All the best,

    Anthony

    1Reply
  • Mohammed Rahman
    Real Estate Broker · New York, NY · Member since 2020 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11mo

    Hey Michael!

    I'm Mo, a real estate broker out here in NYC and Long Island (and an investor as well!).

    What @Anthony Abruzzo said! I love your enthusiasm and initiative — getting curious and asking questions early is exactly how most successful investors start.

    I think your next best move is to speak with a few different lenders, so you can understand the full range of financing programs available to you. Each lender may have slightly different products, underwriting standards, and creative options that could open doors you didn’t realize were there.

    Once you understand your buying power, you can start tailoring a strategy that fits your goals. There are so many possibilities! You can house hack and even JV with someone more experienced. There are a lot of ways to break into investing, and a bit of creativity can go a long way in this business.

    If you want to bounce around ideas or need help finding the right lender, feel free to PM me!

    1Reply
  • Frankie VozziBusiness Member
    Member since 2025 · 392 posts · 99 votes
    11mo

    Hi Michael great job starting early. A lot of investors begin in more affordable markets especially with strong student-rental demand. A few steps that usually help new investors:
    Pick one market and learn rents, neighborhoods, and turnover patterns. Talk to local property managers they're your eyes and ears if you're 4–5 hours away. Run numbers conservatively (vacancy, maintenance, CapEx). With $30K saved, many investors start with a smaller duplex or single-family that cash flows well. If you stay focused on fundamentals, distance and experience become much less intimidating. I'm In NY too, let's connect, I sent you a DM!

    [email protected]516-888-7750
    0Reply
  • Aaron ZimmermanBusiness Member
    Accountant · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11mo

    I would house hack for sure. I'm not in that market but be aware of local laws and connect with other investors in the area. Obviously, get the fundamentals down of analyzing deals, understanding markets, etc. 

    [email protected]
    Brick House CPAs54 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Arman AhmedPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 975 votes
    11mo

    @Michael Basile

    You’re on the right track looking for affordable, landlord-friendly markets. Student rentals can work, but being several hours away adds some challenges with turnovers and management. Another option is exploring Midwest markets where entry prices are low, cash flow is stronger, and long-distance systems are easier to set up. With $30k saved, you’ve got enough to get started if you focus on solid neighborhoods, reliable property management, and conservative underwriting. Keep running numbers and connecting with local investors in whichever market you choose — the right team makes all the difference.

    [email protected]614-418-6081
    0Reply
  • Eric Gerakos
    Investor · Costa Mesa, CA · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11mo

    Getting food in the door is easy....

    1Reply
  • Joe S.Pro Member
    Investor · San Antonio · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    11mo
    Quote from @Michael Basile:
    I’m from Long Island Ny the housing prices here are insane. So I’ve looked to upstate ny near Binghamton and Cortland what caught my eye was the lower housing prices and big student investing presence. Little nervous being young and having no experience and also being 4-5 hours away from where I am looking. Currently have about 30k saved and wonder what my next steps would be.

     Have you considered DoorDash?

    0Reply
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