Rookie in Sacramento, CA looking to get started in 2025

Rookie in Sacramento, CA looking to get started in 2025

New to Real Estate · Sacramento, CA · Member since 2021 · 1 post · 6 votes

Hi Everyone!

My wife and I just moved to Sacramento 2 weeks ago from the bay.  I work in tech and she just started a new job here for the state.  We're currently renting downtown and looking to get started as first-time home buyers in an owner-occupied duplex situation to start our path in rei.  We're open to other strategies, but believe that sounds the most ideal so far.  We do want to settle in a little bit here while continuing to do our homework, but hope to get into something in the next 6-12 months.

With the way interest rates are looking now and what little I see on public listings, I think a smaller multi-family that needs a little rehab would be the best bet.  I don't want to bite off more than we can chew with managing a full reno while we learn the ropes.  I suppose something more turn-key could be a good option, but haven't come across many viable options there yet.

Anyways, we still have a lot more to learn and still need to familiarize ourselves with the area/market, but just wanted to pop in to say hi!  We'd love any introductions and support from other investors, agents, lenders, or contractors in the area.

Thanks,
Mike

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Real Estate Broker · Sacramento, CA · Member since 2021 · 517 posts · 408 votes
1y

I'm a local broker and investor and manage 100+ investment properties. House hacking is the best tried-and-true method for new investors in my opinion. Tons of value in learning property maintenance and tenant management. Landlord-tenant regulations are a bit complex in California and getting hands on is the best way to learn before expanding into larger investments. 

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  • Lender · TX · Member since 2024 · 308 posts · 197 votes
    1y

    Hi Michael, Welcome to BP!

    Starting with an owner-occupied duplex is a great way to get into real estate investing while keeping things manageable. Focusing on smaller multifamily properties needing light rehab is a smart approach for learning the ropes. I'd also recommend joining local real estate meetups or BiggerPockets groups to connect with agents, contractors, lenders etc. I'd be happy to connect!

  • Julio GonzalezPro Member
    Specialist · West Palm Beach, FL · Member since 2008 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    Welcome to BiggerPockets, Michael! 

    Starting with an owner-occupied duplex is a smart way to build equity and gain experience.

    -Julio

  • Real Estate Broker · Sacramento, CA · Member since 2021 · 517 posts · 408 votes
    1y

    I'm a local broker and investor and manage 100+ investment properties. House hacking is the best tried-and-true method for new investors in my opinion. Tons of value in learning property maintenance and tenant management. Landlord-tenant regulations are a bit complex in California and getting hands on is the best way to learn before expanding into larger investments. 

  • Real Estate Agent · Austin + San Antonio, TX · Member since 2024 · 23 posts · 5 votes
    1y

    Hello Michael! Stoked you're here.. are you leveraging any real estate meetups or local investor events yet?

  • Rental Property Investor · Sacramento · Member since 2024 · 17 posts · 8 votes
    1y
    Hello Michael ! Welcome to Sacramento :) I agree with the comments. House-hacking is a great way to start... I would not categorically rule out a triplex and/or quad plex though... Unlike the Bay Area, at least from my experience in Sacramento, i don't think the difference in down-payment from a duplex and tri-plex is that significant. And feel you'll have more options / strategies to explore with a tri or quad plex in the long range.
  • Real Estate Agent · San Jose, CA · Member since 2023 · 182 posts · 104 votes
    1y

    Happy to send you some referrals :)

  • Real Estate Agent · San Diego, CA · Member since 2023 · 189 posts · 88 votes
    1y
    Quote from @Michael Shean:

    Hi Everyone!

    My wife and I just moved to Sacramento 2 weeks ago from the bay.  I work in tech and she just started a new job here for the state.  We're currently renting downtown and looking to get started as first-time home buyers in an owner-occupied duplex situation to start our path in rei.  We're open to other strategies, but believe that sounds the most ideal so far.  We do want to settle in a little bit here while continuing to do our homework, but hope to get into something in the next 6-12 months.

    With the way interest rates are looking now and what little I see on public listings, I think a smaller multi-family that needs a little rehab would be the best bet.  I don't want to bite off more than we can chew with managing a full reno while we learn the ropes.  I suppose something more turn-key could be a good option, but haven't come across many viable options there yet.

    Anyways, we still have a lot more to learn and still need to familiarize ourselves with the area/market, but just wanted to pop in to say hi!  We'd love any introductions and support from other investors, agents, lenders, or contractors in the area.

    Thanks,
    Mike


     Welcome to Sacramento! 

    I am a house hacker myself and have 2 properties here that now cash flow. A nice multi family property that you can do some light fixtures on sounds like a perfect strategy for you so you and your wife can have your own unit. I am hunting these deals everyday, there are some good ones here and there. I specialize in STR & Co-living concepts, which I recommend for the highest rental income potential!

    Hope this helps!

  • Scott ScovilleBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Sacramento, CA · Member since 2019 · 502 posts · 273 votes
    1y

    House hacking is a great way to get started. I just helped a client buy a duplex in Sacramento. Within 2 days of closing, he already has a signed lease with a new tenant. The lending on owner occupant small multi family has gotten a lot better and allowed house hackers to enter the market. Have you locked up a property yet?

    Scoville Realty & Investments LLC
  • Investor · San Francisco, CA · Member since 2020 · 13 posts · 4 votes
    1y
    Quote from @Michael Shean:

    Hi Everyone!

    My wife and I just moved to Sacramento 2 weeks ago from the bay.  I work in tech and she just started a new job here for the state.  We're currently renting downtown and looking to get started as first-time home buyers in an owner-occupied duplex situation to start our path in rei.  We're open to other strategies, but believe that sounds the most ideal so far.  We do want to settle in a little bit here while continuing to do our homework, but hope to get into something in the next 6-12 months.

    With the way interest rates are looking now and what little I see on public listings, I think a smaller multi-family that needs a little rehab would be the best bet.  I don't want to bite off more than we can chew with managing a full reno while we learn the ropes.  I suppose something more turn-key could be a good option, but haven't come across many viable options there yet.

    Anyways, we still have a lot more to learn and still need to familiarize ourselves with the area/market, but just wanted to pop in to say hi!  We'd love any introductions and support from other investors, agents, lenders, or contractors in the area.

    Thanks,
    Mike

    Hey @Michael Shean I'd love to connect! I'm based in the SF Bay Area and have been in tech the last ~10 years but I've been operating STRs and MTRs in Sacramento for the last 2 years. I'm looking for my first flip in Sacramento at the moment.

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