Newbie from Raleigh, NC looking to move into Durham, NC Market

Newbie from Raleigh, NC looking to move into Durham, NC Market

Homeowner · Durham, NC · Member since 2014 · 8 posts · 4 votes

Hello, my name is Matthew Hux. I am an mechanical engineering graduate from NC State who just left a job in the machining field. I look forward to becoming a larger part of this community and have already benefited tremendously from the articles and posts on this site. This site a tremendous resource and the community has a fantastic mentality.

I currently renting Raleigh but am looking to buy my first (of many) property in the Durham, NC area. I have enough cash built up to purchase a fixer upper or make a down payment on a larger property. I am currently looking to find a primary residence to eliminate my rent. My future goals are to own single family homes or multi-family homes and rent them out. I hope to get to the point where these will be primarily hassle free, managed by property managers providing me with passive income. However I feel that from the beginning I should be proficient in every aspect of the business so that I can evaluate any future hires. This is a daunting task and I would love the chance to apprentice under someone or work for a property management company to learn the ropes. I know I have a problem with delegating my work to other people so I also need to develop good contacts with construction, electricians, handymen, and property managers. Once I have a core group I trust, I will be much more comfortable transitioning to a more hands off role.

I am currently in the process of changing careers. I am currently planning to go back to a full time job that will allow me to get conventional funding. Then I can get my primary residence without much outlay and use the rest of my money to purchase a rental property. If I can get the rental to get a positive cashflow I will probably be content with that for a while as I learn the ropes. While I am at work I also plan to take afternoon real estate agent classes to enable me become an agent. This will enable me to be a better investor as well as open up other potential job opportunities. I will continue to leverage my conventional funding and extra cash potentials from my job until I start having trouble with banking financing (usually around 4 houses). Then I may look into becoming an investor full time.

This is a very loose and rough sketch of my life and I welcome any feedback. I am also on the lookout for any part/full time job in the investment field. Particularly ones that will work with me as I get my real estate agent license.

I would also be happy to help anyone who is looking to invest in the Raleigh market. I have lived here eight years and would be a great benefit for anyone looking to buy properties that appeal to students or recent graduates of NC State.

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  • Investor · Jacksonville, FL · Member since 2013 · 25 posts · 9 votes
    12y

    Hey Matthew, welcome to BiggerPockets and the world of real estate investing.

    To get started I suggest you visit your local Real Estate Investors Association which meets several times a month in various locations, including tomorrow in Cary. Check out www.treia.com to join in and start networking!

  • J. MartinPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Oakland, CA · Member since 2011 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    12y

    Hi Matthew , and Welcome to BP! I’m a “fix and hold” investor from the Bay Area in CA, and loving it! But you’ll find a variety of every type of investor on the site and everyone is amazingly helpful. Some pointers for you: The “Learn” link across the top navigation bar has lots of great info and so do BP members! You can click on the “vote” button if you like someone’s post or it is helpful and there are “awards” to earn on your profile. And you can tag people by typing @ before you type their name, then clicking their name at the bottom of the message box. Welcome to the site, and good luck in everything!

  • Homeowner · Durham, NC · Member since 2014 · 8 posts · 4 votes
    12y

    @Brooks J. I considered coming to those but it seemed a bit premature when I don't even have anything in my name yet. I may consider coming though.

    @J Martin Thanks for the tips. I have been reading through the Learn articles quite a bit. Very good stuff in there.

  • Investor · Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    12y

    @Matthew Hux - sounds like you've got a great plan. Welcome and glad you introduced yourself.

  • Specialist · Rockland, MA · Member since 2010 · 7k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    12y

    @Matthew Hux

    Welcome. Consider looking into student housing based on your experience.

    Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere

    Check out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.

    Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice. And you get the benefit of having 50 past ones to catch up on.

    Locate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info.

    Two Great reads, I bought both J. Scott The Book on Flipping Houses,The Book on Estimating ReHab Costshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbook

    Consider checking out HUD homes for small multi's owner occupied gets first crack.

    You might consider Niche or Specialized Housing like student housing. Rents can be 2-4 times more. Remember you don't have to own a property to control it.

    Good Luck

    Paul

  • Investor · Wichita Falls, TX · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 603 votes
    12y

    Welcome to BiggerPockets @Matthew Hux!

    I like that you have a clear vision of what your future looks like. That makes a huge difference on how things turn out in my opinion. Hopefully we can help you get where you want to go.

    See you around the forums!

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