Rental Property Investing 101 Discussion

Rental Property Investing 101 Discussion

Member since 2019 · 1 post · 2 votes

Greetings,

My name is Sonny Lee, I live in the Minnesota Twin Cities area and I am new to the Real Estate Business field. I am planning to invest in my first Rental Property (2 units) and would like guidance from you all. With a little introduction: I am a first-generation college student at Metropolitan State University majoring in Computer Science: Bachelor of Science program. I am currently continuing on with the end of my Sophomore year and is employed at an IT Corporate as an Intern. I have always been employed ever since I turned 16 years old, newly born to the real financial world I have been completely deceived by the system. As a first-generation citizen in the United States, I grew up with parents who came from Thailand. As you guys would know, they taught me traditionally and made me believe in only working hard. As a high school student earning only $7.25 per hour working 13 hours shifts at Burger King as a night owl, I was thinking that this job was an INVESTMENT. It became something I was proud of and it made me thought that I had a great job (Flipping burgers). Young and foolish, I was desperate, naive and did not understand that I was being registered in the RAT RACE.  After the 2 long years of working in the Fast Food industry, I moved up through every position, earning my ServSafe certification and became a Manager. After all those wage raise from $7.25 to $12 per hours, it was barely enough. I was hungry, hungry for more and as I added more hours to the schedule at work the result wasn't even enough, data shows it all. At that time I was going to graduate and found out that I was going to be a Father. Through stress and times, I questioned about life and ask myself: "Is this it? Is this the end for me? Why is life so rude to me? What is the reason for life's existent?" Feeling like I reached the Dead End of life, the stress grew in me and I knew I needed help. Then, I went to talk with many good friends and wise adults about a solution to my situation. Gladly, one specific person I was talking with told me: "Hey Sonny. Why don't you just be honest with yourself?" and with just that quote, it changed my whole life. By what I took it for, I begin setting high expectations and concentrating mentally, educationally and financially to create a vision for my future. With my in-depth thinking, I became honest with myself, like who would ever want to flip burgers through their whole life, totally not me. With lots of research and networking through connections, I found a program I decided to apply for, a Professional and Computer IT program that trains me for a 3 months course. After the hard work and involvement I invested, I quit my job at Burger King and got employed by my program. Now, they put me into multiple IT internships and support me to finish college. Through these past years, I started reading business books, like Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, listening to positive motivational influencers like Tony Robbins & Les Brown, watch videos of Business Entrepreneurs like Dan Lok, Grant Cardone, Gary Vanerchuck, Tai Lopez, and Stephen Granhams. I knew that I can't rely too much on one thing so here I am, continuing on with college, working to gain experience for my High-Income Skills and starting the plan for my first Rental Property Investing business. 

Topics I want to talk about:

1.) What are Conventional and FHA Loan? Which is best for Rental Property Investing? What is a good strategy in using each?

2.) How do I build my credit fast? (Dos and Don'ts) 

3.) How to get Pre-approval for a Home Loan? What is the bank looking for?

4.) What I must do right now to start? What should I stay away from?


Thank you,

Sonny Lee 

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  • Investor · Rochester, MN · Member since 2016 · 80 posts · 37 votes
    7y

    Congratulations Sonny you are ahead of the game of Life if you are only a sophomore and purchasing a duplex.  You are not alone flipping burgers or getting told to get a good job.   Try getting $4.25 at fast food which shows my age. Welcome to a breath of fresh air.  I'm glad you took control over your life. 

    I was 36 when I bought my first rental property after reading. Rich Dad Poor Dad. I think about all the time I missed out on but realize we can't change the past and need to Keep Moving Forward.  If you are a Dad maybe you have seen meet the Robinson's.  That is a quote from the movie.

    Also everything happens for a reason!  I truly believe this.

    As to answering your questions

    1.Are you going to live in the property? FHA is an option then. They have low rates and small amounts needed to start. Conventional you usually need 20% down which pays down your mortgage faster.

    3.  Go to as many small banks as you can and apply.  They will give you a form sometimes to fill out.  They want your W2's, and your financial statement (aka assests and liabilities).

    4. Start by talking to small local banks and seeing what they can do for you.  Get pre-approved.

    Best of luck.

  • Flipper/Rehabber · Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    7y

    Welcome Sonny!  I would recommend you connect with @Tim Swierczek, he can help you get your finances figured out so you can purchase a place.

    I would say your best bet is to graduate college and get a job in your field. Then you can use your W-2 to qualify for either a low down payment FHA or conventional loan. Stay away from adding debt (vehicle, etc) and if you don't already you may want to open a CC or two to expand your financing lines. Don't max them out, that will hurt you.

  • Rental Property Investor · MN · Member since 2015 · 186 posts · 149 votes
    7y

    It's amazing how many people started investing in real estate after reading Rich Dad Poor Dad, including myself :) 

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