New to Bigger Pockets...Maryland area

[Dara Thomas]

Hello everyone! Im looking forward to getting started in real estate investing within the next year. Currently, I am saving up a downpayment to hopefully move into a quadplex to start my real estate portfolio in the Baltimore, MD area. I look forward to learning about real estate from BP as well as building my network!

Thanks, 

[Nicole A.]

@Dara Thomas Welcome! I would recommend that you start now with getting familiar with Maryland--and especially Baltimore City--rental laws and requirements. Baltimore City has unique rental laws and requirements than other counties of the state. It is easy to read up on them online just with a Google search, but also you can learn via networking with current landlords in the area. Join some local REIA groups too. Read up on lead paint requirements and the differences between Lead Safe and Lead Free. Read up on rental licensing requirements.

I like your idea of house-hacking via using a primary residence loan to get into a quadplex or similar. Keep in mind that you might need to shop around for a lender that fits your needs. While generally speaking, you can get a primary residence loan for up to a 4-unit property, not all lenders choose to allow this. So start shopping around for your options!

And feel free to reach out with any questions. Many of us here on BP are very experienced with the Baltimore area. Happy new year!