Tampa Bay Investor Looking to Scale, Learn, and Build Relationships

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Tampa Bay Investor Looking to Scale, Learn, and Build Relationships

Devin Rodriguez
Member since 2026 · 9 posts · 3 votes

Hello BP Community,

My name is Devin Rodriguez, and I am a Navy EOD veteran transitioning into the next chapter of my life through real estate investing and business ownership.

I currently own and self-manage a small portfolio in Guam consisting of a duplex generating $4,400/month (both units occupied) and a four-plex generating $6,900/month (three units occupied).

I separated from the Navy after 11 years as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician and am now based in the Tampa Bay area. I'm currently attending school full-time to complete my bachelor's degree within the next year before pursuing an MBA.

Even though I've had some success with small multifamily investing, I’m looking forward to hearing from people in this community who were at this step at some point in their lives and are now operating at a much higher level.

Looking forward to learning from everyone.

Devin Rodriguez
Tampa Bay, FL
Navy Veteran | Multifamily Investor

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  • Ken M.
    Investor · Get yourself trained before doing something inadvisable. · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5mo
    Quote from @Devin Rodriguez:

    Hello BP Community,

    My name is Devin Rodriguez, and I am a Navy EOD veteran transitioning into the next chapter of my life through real estate investing and business ownership.

    I currently own and self-manage a small portfolio in Guam consisting of a duplex generating $4,400/month (both units occupied) and a four-plex generating $6,900/month (three units occupied).

    I separated from the Navy after 11 years as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician and am now based in the Tampa Bay area. I'm currently attending school full-time to complete my bachelor's degree within the next year before pursuing an MBA.

    Even though I've had some success with small multifamily investing, I’m looking forward to hearing from people in this community who were at this step at some point in their lives and are now operating at a much higher level.

    Looking forward to learning from everyone.

    Devin Rodriguez
    Tampa Bay, FL
    Navy Veteran | Multifamily Investor

    I've heard Guam is quite a swim away. Did you have a blast being an EOD? Civilian life is a little different and some choose to have side by side help getting into solid investing habits.  Welcome.
    0Reply
  • Mana Grace
    Member since 2026 · 12 posts · 3 votes
    5mo

    Hello! Have you considered Costa Rica?

    0Reply
  • Shiloh LundahlPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    5mo

    Hey@Devin Rodriguez, thank you for your service in protecting the soldiers. 

    I have been where you are at with investing. And I've also scaled to the point of owning hundreds of properties.

    Let me know if I can be of help.

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    0Reply
  • Jorge VazquezBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Tampa, FL · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 700 votes
    5mo

    Welcome to BiggerPockets, Devin. First, thank you for your service. You are already ahead of where many investors start by owning and managing a duplex and a fourplex. One piece of advice from someone who has been investing in real estate for over 25 years is to make sure you have a clear business plan for where you want to be in 5, 10, and 20 years. Real estate offers a lot of paths to success, but the investors who scale the fastest are usually the ones who know exactly what they are building and why. Keep learning, keep networking, and keep surrounding yourself with people who are operating at the level you want to reach. It sounds like you are off to a great start, and I look forward to following your journey.

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    0Reply
  • Devin Rodriguez
    OP
    Member since 2026 · 9 posts · 3 votes
    4mo

    Thanks, @Ken M., Guam was definitely a long swim from the mainland. I loved my time in EOD. The people and experiences were second to none. Civilian life has been an adjustment, but I'm excited for this next chapter and grateful for communities like this one.

    0Reply
  • Devin Rodriguez
    OP
    Member since 2026 · 9 posts · 3 votes
    4mo

    Thanks,@Mana Grace. I haven't seriously looked at Costa Rica yet. What do you like most about it? Investing opportunities, lifestyle, or both?

    0Reply
  • Devin Rodriguez
    OP
    Member since 2026 · 9 posts · 3 votes
    4mo

    Thanks, @Shiloh Lundahl. I really appreciate that. I'm trying to figure out how investors make the jump from a few units to a truly scalable business. Given your experience, I'd love to hear what you think was the biggest factor or strategy in your growth.

    0Reply
  • Devin Rodriguez
    OP
    Member since 2026 · 9 posts · 3 votes
    4mo
    0Reply
  • Alfath AhmedBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    4mo
    Quote from @Devin Rodriguez:

    Hello BP Community,

    My name is Devin Rodriguez, and I am a Navy EOD veteran transitioning into the next chapter of my life through real estate investing and business ownership.

    I currently own and self-manage a small portfolio in Guam consisting of a duplex generating $4,400/month (both units occupied) and a four-plex generating $6,900/month (three units occupied).

    I separated from the Navy after 11 years as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician and am now based in the Tampa Bay area. I'm currently attending school full-time to complete my bachelor's degree within the next year before pursuing an MBA.

    Even though I've had some success with small multifamily investing, I’m looking forward to hearing from people in this community who were at this step at some point in their lives and are now operating at a much higher level.

    Looking forward to learning from everyone.

    Devin Rodriguez
    Tampa Bay, FL
    Navy Veteran | Multifamily Investor

    You would need to first stop buying in states where your money does not go far or where you could get wrecked from hurricane or flood insurance. Find a different market where it is landlord-friendly, your dollar goes much further, and where there is tech, job, and population growth.

    Connect with an investor agent. Have him connect you with his team of lenders, contractors, property managers. Look at off-market deals and buy them 80-85% of its true-value in turnkey shape or buy them at 75% of ARV for BRRRR/Flip deals.

    Make sure to watch out for location, condition (Roof, HVAC, hot water tank, electrical, foundation, and sewer scope), and rentability.

    When you re-finance, make sure deal cashflows and breaks even.



    [email protected]614-802-5698
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