Los Ángeles Realestate investor

Investor Mindset
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Los Ángeles Realestate investor

Ismael Rangel
Member since 2020 · 1 post · 8 votes

Hi guys!! I’m new here I just want to get advice from everyone on how to go about purchasing my first property. I live out in the LA area. Thank!!

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  • Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2mo
    Quote from @Ismael Rangel:

    Hi guys!! I’m new here I just want to get advice from everyone on how to go about purchasing my first property. I live out in the LA area. Thank!!

    Welcome to BP, Ismael! The biggest piece of advice I'd give is to spend some time getting crystal clear on your strategy before buying anything. Figure out whether you're looking for a long-term rental, BRRRR, flip, or house hack, then start underwriting as many deals as you can. That'll help you understand what a good deal actually looks like before putting money on the line. I'd also build a local team early—a lender, agent, inspector, and contractor can make a huge difference. If you're open to investing outside of California, I'd definitely compare a few Midwest markets as well. I moved from Portland to Columbus in 2020 and have built a portfolio there because the numbers made a lot more sense. There are still solid buy-and-hold opportunities in the $120k-$180k range that can come close to or even exceed the 1% rule, plus the city has strong population and job growth with companies like Intel, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Honda, LG, and Nationwide continuing to invest in the region. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!
    [email protected]614-300-7535
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  • Garret Rumbea
    Inland Empire, CA · Member since 2017 · 151 posts · 79 votes
    2mo

    Hey@Ismael Rangel I'm based out of Temecula area and my partners out of SoCal. We invest in large multifamily out of state. Always happy to connect with locals if you'd like

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  • Ashish AcharyaBusiness Member
    CPA, CFP®, PFS · FL · Member since 2017 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2mo

    Welcome. LA is a high-cost market, so out-of-state might come up in other replies here, but before you rule out buying locally, know that the tax picture actually differs depending on which route you take. Buy locally and you're only ever dealing with California filings. Buy out of state and you'll file a nonresident return there too, with California taxing that same rental income on top since it taxes residents on worldwide income, a credit for taxes paid to the other state offsets the double hit if it's calculated correctly.

    Whichever direction you go, get a cost segregation study done once you close, that's usually where a meaningful chunk of the tax benefit comes from on a first property regardless of price point or location. And if you're planning to self-manage rather than hire a property manager, that decision also affects whether you can eventually claim material participation if REPS or the STR loophole becomes relevant down the line.

    Happy to connect!

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  • Remington LymanBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    2mo

    Welcome to BP! I would recommend doing a house hack as your first investment.

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  • Marc RiceBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2mo
    Quote from @Ismael Rangel:

    Hi guys!! I’m new here I just want to get advice from everyone on how to go about purchasing my first property. I live out in the LA area. Thank!!


     If you are looking to buy in LA then the first one could either be a house-hack or a light value add. Did you finalize the market yet?

    [email protected]614-363-2787
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  • Wale LawalBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2mo

    @Ismael Rangel

    Welcome to BP! If you are new to this game, my recommendation would be to take some time to learn about analyzing deals and getting preapproved so that you’ll know exactly how much you can afford when you begin looking. You’ll be much better served by patience in the LA market than by jumping into your first deal.

    Good luck!

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  • Evan HoppleBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2023 · 285 posts · 420 votes
    2mo
    Quote from @Ismael Rangel:

    Hi guys!! I’m new here I just want to get advice from everyone on how to go about purchasing my first property. I live out in the LA area. Thank!!

    Getting started on BiggerPockets is a great first step! I'd first figure out what your goal is. Are you looking for long-term cash flow, appreciation, or value-add/forced equity opportunities? That answer will drive everything else and can save you from spending time on an investment strategy that doesn't align with your goals.

    Once you know your goals, you'll also be able to decide whether it makes sense to invest locally or expand your search to other markets.

    [email protected]614-924-8151
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  • Emanuele Mayer
    Lender · Member since 2022 · 72 posts · 19 votes
    2mo

    Welcome, Ismael! My biggest advice is to take your time, analyze plenty of deals, and don’t feel like you have to jump into the first one you find. Building a good team around you also makes a huge difference. When you’re ready, we help investors with DSCR loans, Fix & Flip financing, and other investment property funding. I’d be happy to connect and be a resource. Best of luck on your first deal!

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  • Arman AhmedPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 957 votes
    2mo
    Quote from @Ismael Rangel:

    Hi guys!! I’m new here I just want to get advice from everyone on how to go about purchasing my first property. I live out in the LA area. Thank!!


    The best advice is to spend time learning how to analyze deals before worrying about buying one. Your first investment doesn't have to be in your own backyard either. Many investors in higher-priced markets like LA build their first rental in more affordable Midwest markets, where cash-flow opportunities can be easier to find. Keep learning, network with experienced investors, and don't rush—the right first deal is worth waiting for.
    [email protected]614-418-6081
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  • Ismael El Hamdouchi
    Member since 2025 · 68 posts · 28 votes
    2mo

    Welcome! Before looking at specific properties, I’d spend time getting clear on your investment strategy. Are you interested in house hacking, buy-and-hold rentals, flipping, or multifamily? Each requires a different approach.I’d also recommend spending some time analyzing deals even ones you don’t plan to buy. The more properties you underwrite, the faster you’ll recognize what makes a good investment.What are you hoping to buy as your first property?

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