Kim in Houston wanting to get into REI

[Kimberly Webber]

Hello everyone,

It has been great reading and learning about real estate on this site. I have decided to make a profile as a first step of action.

A little Background

I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and moved to Houston, Texas in 2012. I am 28, so not very old but wish I had begun this journey in my early 20s. I work  9 to 5 and really would like to acquire income outside of my traditional job. Each day I wake up and go to work I ask myself is this it? It can't be it. I want to live and not exist.  A co-worker of mine is in his 40s and has 10 homes in Georgia and really uses our current employer for the extra cash and benefits.The goal is that within the next few years to have a house or two. My mom and I are choosing to partner up on this. She is about 6 years away from retirement and wants extra income. We believe this is our first step to gaining some relatively passive income. The two markets we are looking at are Houston and Pittsburgh.

Houston Pros

We both live here

Cheaper labor costs

Higher rental income potential

Houston Cons

Cost of homes are more pricey

Pittsburgh Pros

Access to cheaper homes

Already have a handy man

Duplexes are plentiful

Could become a Tech Hub in the next few years

Pittsburgh Cons

We don't live there

Wages are low

Labor is expensive

I am hoping to connect with people with similar goals. Also, hoping to chat with people familiar with the Pittsburgh and Houston markets for tips/advice.