Advice on either renting or buying and selling
5 Replies
Ethan Jackson
from San Antonio, Texas
posted about 3 years ago
I am either thinking of purchasing a multi home and renting out additional units while house hacking, or purchasing a single family home and selling it within a year to two years. What do you all think are the pros and cons and which route would you advise for me to go?
I initially wanted to purchase a multi home. While house hacking I can save some money to purchase a home after two years of renting out my additional units.
Than I started to think about my market a bit more (in San Antonio), and wasn't sure if that would be best.
I could purchase a new home, renovate over the course of a year or two then sell it to work on my next property.
I am not 100% sure which route I want to take at the moment and wanted to hear your thoughts.
Sharon Powell
Realtor from La Vernia, TX
replied about 3 years ago
There’s a place in San Antonio for both those strategies. If you haven’t done it yet, work your numbers and figure out which path best fits your personal finances and goals. And speak with a tax professional about how long to hold your investment before selling.
Arissa Pedroza
Wholesaler from San Antonio, tx
replied about 3 years ago
I agree with Sharon - San Antonio is a great market for BOTH strategies. If you can, you should buy a 4 plex using FHA financing for 3.5% down and live in one unit and rent the rest out to create cash flow. I dont really think a 'slow' flip is the best use of time and money though. SFH in San Antonio are also great cash flows. I know of a house for sale for $108k and it is getting $1350.mo in rents. SA is great for investing right now!
Ethan Jackson
from San Antonio, Texas
replied about 3 years ago
Thank you both. I will definitely look into a tax professional. And yea, that’s what i was thinking at first @Arissa Pedroza , I’m new to this and wasn’t sure how plausible it was. I still have some time before i purchase, so i will make sure to look more into the San Antonio market.
Lawrence Rutkowski
from San Antonio, TX
replied about 3 years ago
IF you can find a MFR, not in a war zone that will actually provide a decent enough return to make house hacking worthwhile, jump on it. That's a big IF. MFR demand is through the roof and as such prices are very high in relation to market rents.
Blue collar SFR's provide a much better return. In better areas.
I purchased my current home 2 years ago on the N/NE part of town. 78247 ZIP for $132,700. Put $9k into it and have strong comps for $186K. I plan on selling, tax-free and doing it again.
Inventory, although slightly improving the last couple of months is still near record lows, especially for multis.
My advice to you is this:
If you can find one, find a value add multi-family. Do a slow rehab so you learn what needs to be done, how it's done and how much it will cost. Refinance out after a year, leaving 20%-25% equity into the property and do it again. OR do the same with an SFR. The key here is value-add, meaning at least a light rehab to force value. Without it, odds are you will leave too much money tied up for too long and you will stunt growth. DO NOT try to justify a multi if the numbers aren't there.
Good luck, and if you need any assistance don't hesitate to reach out.
Ethan Jackson
from San Antonio, Texas
replied about 3 years ago
I’m going to do some digging and reach out if i have any questions. These responses are very helpful in guiding me in the right direction, so thank you for your input.