I am new to Real Estate investing. Starting out with very little and very late in life, but starting none the less.
Looking forward to learning as much as I can with as few mistakes as possible, although not afraid to make a few as long as the education is not to costly.
Real Estate Agent · Kansas City, MO · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 492 votes
2y
Welcome to Real Estate and BP!
Real estate investment can be a great way to secure your financial future - with the right tools and guidance, you can make smart investment decisions and build a solid portfolio that will pay off in the long run. I've worked with hundreds of out of state investors, I'd be happy to connect and help answer any questions you may have.
Congratulations on taking action @Walt Viera, it's never too late to start! We are here to help in any way we can. I owe so much to this giving community.
The cheapest form of education is here on BiggerPockets and in your backyard by joining your local Real Estate Investor Association. I would encourage you to join whichever one is closest to you and avoid paying some "guru" money that won't yield you anything.
Can you define what you mean by House Hack? Forgive my ignorance.
Hey Walt, house hacking is a relatively new term in the investing space. It refers to having an investment property also serve as your primary residence. Examples include owning a single family and renting out a room, or owning a multi family property, living on one floor, and renting out the other
Real Estate Agent · Central New York · Member since 2023 · 207 posts · 96 votes
2y
Hey Walt! Better late than never to start! Have you dove into what strategy best matches your situation? If you have “little” as you said in your forum title, house hacking may be a good idea, where you own the property but rent some part of it out, whether it be an extra room or an extra floor in a multi family property. This seems like it may be the least intensive, and one of the more affordable options as you qualify for more optimal loans if the house serves as your primary residence
Can you define what you mean by House Hack? Forgive my ignorance.
Hey Walt, welcome to BiggerPockets! House hacking is one of the most popular strategies you can take and it can be a great way to build wealth and generate passive income, but it's important to have a long-term plan in place. I'd say keep in mind a few things for starters:
1. Crunch the numbers - Carefully calculate potential cash flow, ROI, and cap rate. Factor in ALL expenses like property taxes, insurance, repairs, maintenance, vacancy rates, and potential property management fees. 2. Choose your property wisely - Multi-unit properties like triplexes and fourplexes offer potential economies of scale and income diversification. Duplexes are an option, but consider the lower number of tenants and potentially higher relative management costs. 3. Screen tenants - Implement thorough tenant screening processes to minimize risk of vacancy and potential rental income loss. 4. Be a great landlord - Provide timely communication, responsive maintenance, and fair treatment. Building positive relationships with tenants can increase their retention and reduce turnover, promoting consistent rental income.
Consider FHA loans with lower down payment requirements if you're starting with limited capital. Focus on markets with strong job markets, affordability, and economic development. Understanding local regulations and zoning laws is crucial to avoid legal issues. Hope this helps!
Greetings from the fascinating realm of real estate investment! It's never too late to get started, and it's encouraging that you're ready to learn and get started. The following advice will be useful to you as you start your real estate investing journey:
Learn for Yourself Begin Small Make connections with novice and seasoned real estate investors. Consult with seasoned investors who can offer mentorship for advice. Establish definite financial targets and a budget that supports your investing goals. Learn about several investing strategies, such buying and holding, wholesaling, and fix-and-flip. Understand market trends. Put up a professional team that includes an accountant, a real estate lawyer, and maybe a property manager.
Remember, the most successful investors often learn from a combination of education and hands-on experience. Take one step at a time, be patient, and enjoy the learning process. Real estate investing is a journey, and each decision you make contributes to your growth as an investor.