Investor Agents, Union Park, and Lenders

Investor Agents, Union Park, and Lenders

New to Real Estate · Miami, FL · Member since 2020 · 28 posts · 7 votes
Hi everyone, my name is Steven, I’m 23 years old, and I’m currently leasing an apartment but want to have a house under my belt by February 2026, when my lease expires. Originally, I was looking at homes in Williamsburg (Orange County, Orlando), but I’ve run into issues with HOAs. My strategy is to live in an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) on the property and rent out the main house to help cover expenses. The only real pros of Williamsburg were being close to work and to the amusement parks (SeaWorld, Universal, Disney), but with the HOA rules, it just doesn’t align with my plan. That’s why I’m now shifting my focus to Union Park, where I can find non-HOA homes with better potential for building/using an ADU and renting to UCF students. I have an agent I met through an open house, and while he’s been helpful, as my lease end gets closer, I’ve noticed a disconnect. Even though I’ve expressed my investing goals, the houses he shows me are more about aesthetic features like nice countertops rather than actual investment properties that fit my criteria. That’s why I’d really like to connect with an investor-minded real estate agent in the Orlando area who understands house hacking, ADUs, and the local rental market (especially around UCF). On top of that, I only have one lender so far and would really appreciate any recommendations for lenders, loan officers, or banks that other investors here trust. Thanks in advance for any advice or connections — I’m trying to set myself up right for when my lease ends next year and would really value input from people who’ve been through this in Orlando.
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  • Member since 2024 · 49 posts · 23 votes
    1y

    I have an agent that has provided some decent investment properties.  Let's connect and I can send you contact info. 

  • Lender · Tampa/Saint Petersburg, FL · Member since 2014 · 356 posts · 148 votes
    1y

    Hey Steven, love your plan — you're ahead of the game at 23. Smart move focusing on non HOA near UCF, student demand is solid and ADUs give you options.

    Couple quick tips:

    • Definitely find an investor minded agent — I have a couple investor friendly agents I work with in the Orlando area. 

    • Financing — some lenders will count projected ADU rent, others won't. Worth talking to an investor friendly loan officer (I am one!)

    • Student rentals — check zoning/occupancy rules in Orlando to make sure you're solid 

     You’ve got time before your lease ends, so use it to line up the right team. In my investor experience, it is THE MOST important part of the journey. Finding an agent who invests themselves will save you a ton of time/money/mistakes. I am investor first and got my loan officer license to help others create financial freedom through real estate. Reach out if you'd like to connect. :) 

  • Tyler GibsonBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Orlando, FL · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @Steven Rodriguez:
    Hi everyone, my name is Steven, I’m 23 years old, and I’m currently leasing an apartment but want to have a house under my belt by February 2026, when my lease expires. Originally, I was looking at homes in Williamsburg (Orange County, Orlando), but I’ve run into issues with HOAs. My strategy is to live in an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) on the property and rent out the main house to help cover expenses. The only real pros of Williamsburg were being close to work and to the amusement parks (SeaWorld, Universal, Disney), but with the HOA rules, it just doesn’t align with my plan. That’s why I’m now shifting my focus to Union Park, where I can find non-HOA homes with better potential for building/using an ADU and renting to UCF students. I have an agent I met through an open house, and while he’s been helpful, as my lease end gets closer, I’ve noticed a disconnect. Even though I’ve expressed my investing goals, the houses he shows me are more about aesthetic features like nice countertops rather than actual investment properties that fit my criteria. That’s why I’d really like to connect with an investor-minded real estate agent in the Orlando area who understands house hacking, ADUs, and the local rental market (especially around UCF). On top of that, I only have one lender so far and would really appreciate any recommendations for lenders, loan officers, or banks that other investors here trust. Thanks in advance for any advice or connections — I’m trying to set myself up right for when my lease ends next year and would really value input from people who’ve been through this in Orlando.

     Hey Steven, sounds like you've got a great plan in place. If you really want to grow your knowledge, I highly suggest you start attending local real estate investor meetups. There are several that happen each month. I have access to several lenders and different resources here in the area and would be happy to help in any way that I can.

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