What Advice and/or recommendations can you give me?

Question

Drew Sygit · Answer

How many of the books and podcasts under the Content tab here on BiggerPockets have you read & listened to?

Alfath Ahmed · Answer

I got started in real estate after reading Rich Dad Poor Dad/ Cashflow Quadrants and then reading BRRRR by David Greene.

Those books and the biggerpockets community helped shape my career. I've bought 28 units and sell around 100-120+ investment properties to my clients here in my market.

You should consider OOS investing in the midwest since Orange county is tough to invest in. Your money will go much further, in a landlord-friendly state, and there are tons of tech companies buying so values are holding strong and appreciating.

Garrett Crosby · Answer

Good starting point with the books. A few things I'd add that matter especially if you're investing in the Southern California market:

1) Most national content creators teach cash flow investing in Midwest or Sun Belt markets — the metrics and rules of thumb don't always apply to OC/LA. Learn how this market specifically works before internalizing the 1% rule or standard cash-on-cash benchmarks as your north star. SoCal has a different thesis that leans heavily on appreciation, rent growth, and supply constraints.

2) Analyze real deals. Go to Zillow, pull actual listings, and run the numbers on what you find. Don't just study theory — the fastest education comes from repeatedly asking "does this deal work?" on real properties until the numbers start feeling intuitive.

I'm based in LA/Ventura County and work with investors throughout Southern California. Happy to connect if you want guidance specific to your local market — feel free to DM.

Aristotle Kumpis · Answer

First, you need to figure out what your strategy is. Are you looking to flip so you can make income now? Or are you looking to buy and hold for later down the road? Those are two completely different approaches.

Kareem Shaher · Answer

@Aristotle Kumpis I'm focused on rental properties. So ideally, I would want a solid monthly cash flow.

From what I've seen (as of yet) flipping seems to be discouraged...

Kareem Shaher · Answer

@Drew Sygit So I haven't read or listened to anything on here, I'm not seeing any content option.

However, I got Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad poor dad. I read it, and I learned a lot. I got Brandon Turner's book (still going to read it.) And I'm watching Graham Stephen's, Karlton Dennis, and Dave Ramsay.

What Advice and/or recommendations can you give me?

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