Motivated Newbie looking to invest

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Melissa JusticeBusiness Member
Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2024 · 518 posts · 1k+ votes
11mo

@Jeff Young,

Great spot to be in - having capital and a 5-year plan gives you options most people don’t have. If your goal is steady cash flow and long-term growth, I’d look into turnkey single-family and small multifamily properties in the Midwest and Southeast - places like Birmingham, parts of TX, parts of Georgia, Tulsa, Akron & Canton, OH and Memphis. You’ll find lower entry prices, strong rent-to-price ratios, and solid appreciation potential.

Right now, many sellers in those markets are offering big incentives (closing cost credits, rate buy-downs, etc), so your money goes further.

Map out your 5-year plan around diversification - a few stable cash-flowing assets first, then expand into multi or commercial once you’ve built a base. Start where the numbers make sense, not just where you live.

Always happy to chat more about what's worked for other investors. Best of luck!

[email protected]313-221-8718
4Reply
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  • Nicholas L.Pro Member
    Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    11mo

    @Jeff Young

    house hack, then house hack a few more times

    1Reply
  • Andy Pham
    Lender · 3557 South Ave Springfield, MO 65807 · Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 4 votes
    11mo

    Hey Jeff!

    Hope your week is going well so far. There are many options to go about investing in this field.

    • __tpx__BRRRR: Buy undervalued properties, rehab it, rent, refi/cash out refi, and repeat to recycle cash for the next project
    • Fix and flip: Short-term equity gains for future projects
    • Turnkey rentals: Buy rent-ready homes for stable, low maintenance cashflow.


    It is crucial to determine which market (State and location) to invest in, whether you are locally managing or having a property manager. Finding the right connections and expertise can help you in the long run! 

    I'd be happy to jump on a call or text anytime you are available and discuss a strategy, run some scenarios, or take a look at potential properties that come across your table! We can also help you with the financing from start to finish for these projects! Let's connect!

    Here anytime, feel free to reach out!

    3Reply
  • Melissa JusticeBusiness Member
    Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2024 · 518 posts · 1k+ votes
    11mo

    @Jeff Young,

    Great spot to be in - having capital and a 5-year plan gives you options most people don’t have. If your goal is steady cash flow and long-term growth, I’d look into turnkey single-family and small multifamily properties in the Midwest and Southeast - places like Birmingham, parts of TX, parts of Georgia, Tulsa, Akron & Canton, OH and Memphis. You’ll find lower entry prices, strong rent-to-price ratios, and solid appreciation potential.

    Right now, many sellers in those markets are offering big incentives (closing cost credits, rate buy-downs, etc), so your money goes further.

    Map out your 5-year plan around diversification - a few stable cash-flowing assets first, then expand into multi or commercial once you’ve built a base. Start where the numbers make sense, not just where you live.

    Always happy to chat more about what's worked for other investors. Best of luck!

    [email protected]313-221-8718
    4Reply
  • Kate Nixon Taylor
    Lender · Cary, NC · Member since 2021 · 122 posts · 29 votes
    11mo

    Hi Jeff, 

    I would be happy to talk REI and financing on those different real estate types. At The One Brokerage, we can finance pretty much anything anywhere. Let's connect!

    Cheers, Kate

    0Reply
  • Joseph Bui
    Lender · Nationwide · Member since 2023 · 362 posts · 237 votes
    11mo

    Hi Jeff, I have a portfolio of 8 properties across Memphis, Detroit and Seattle. Happy to share any advice. Also, if you have any questions around financing, please let me know. Would love to be a resource for you with anything related to financing.

    0Reply
  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    11mo

    "multi, single, commercial, etc." really?

    That's too broad a spectrum, which means analysis paralysis and doing nothing:(

    What's your definition of "Commercial"? 
    -- 5+ apartment buildings?

    How much experience do you have in real estate?
    -- Do you currently own or rent?

    How flexible are your living arrangements?

    Help us, help YOU!

    [email protected]248-209-6824
    Logical Property Management4.9459 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
    • Jeff Young
      OP
      SC · Member since 2019 · 7 posts · 14 votes
      1mo

      @Drew Sygit Great questions Drew!  Commercial : specifically apartments but I've recently thought more on town homes. 4+. 
      currently own my home (no debt) 

       I've been a property inspector for 11 + yrs.  That is the real estate experience I have. 

      house hacking is out of the question. I have a family and we are settled. 

      0Reply
    • Drew SygitBusiness Member
      Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
      1mo
      Quote from @Jeff Young:

      @Drew Sygit Great questions Drew!  Commercial : specifically apartments but I've recently thought more on town homes. 4+. 
      currently own my home (no debt) 

       I've been a property inspector for 11 + yrs.  That is the real estate experience I have. 

      house hacking is out of the question. I have a family and we are settled. 


      Be patient and find something underperforming and/or is "ugly".

      These are opportunities to buy below market and fix something to get it back to market and make money.

      [email protected]248-209-6824
      Logical Property Management4.9459 Reviews
      WebsiteView Page
      0Reply
  • Aaron ZimmermanBusiness Member
    Accountant · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11mo

    Agreed with house hacking advice above. So many advantages like learning landlording, getting in via a lower down payment, all the other financial benefits of real estate, etc all make it worth It . 

    [email protected]
    Brick House CPAs53 Reviews
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    1Reply
  • Travis TimmonsPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Ellsworth, ME · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    11mo

    The market is tough everywhere. My take is that owner occupied strategies (house hack and live-in flips) and value add for an experienced investor are the only strategies that really make sense. Do the boring, inconvenient thing that is right in front of you and utilize your unfair advantage - owner occupied loan options and a (hopefully) long term investment horizon.

    And ignore the posts above from people that obviously have something to sell.

    1Reply
  • Denise SuppleeBusiness Member
    Realtor · Willow Grove, PA · Member since 2017 · 984 posts · 643 votes
    11mo

    Hi @Jeff Young nice to meet you here on BP.

    It's great that you're thinking long-term. If you're interested in a more passive way to invest and diversify your portfolio, I might be able to help.

    I run a co-investing club, it's a tight-knit community where we vet deals together, share advice, and help each other stay focused on smart investing. It's a great way to bounce around ideas, learn from others, and access opportunities that might be tough to tackle solo.

    Happy to share more if it sounds like something you'd be into.

    Spark Rental Co-Investing Club580 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
  • Todd AndersonPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Cape Coral, FL · Member since 2023 · 392 posts · 175 votes
    11mo

    @Jeff Young,

    I strongly agree with others that "househack" is the best way to get started.  Do it over and over for the next 5 years.  At the end of that when you are ready for your own place you will be set up with a nice portfolio.  

    I work with a number of investors that like the Idea of doing this with New Construction.  That what they are able to own 2 to 3 to 10 new duplex or quads when they are ready to move on.  Many will then keep these properties for 10-15 years and 1031 into a newer property before any capex is needed.  

    Best of luck on starting your REI journey.

    [email protected]651-492-5652
    1Reply
  • Kerlous TadresBusiness Member
    Realtor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11mo

    I’d recommend starting with a small multifamily in a solid, working-class area; it’s the best balance of cash flow and appreciation. Once you get comfortable managing or rehabbing, you can scale into bigger or commercial deals with your core team in place.

    [email protected]614-490-1163
    Kerlous Tadres | Reafco Real Estate540 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Ken M.
    Investor · Get yourself trained before doing something inadvisable. · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11mo
    Quote from @Jeff Young:

    Have capital and would like to start investing with a strong 5 yr plan.  Looking for advice, help, etc etc.  up for multi, single, commercial, etc.  

    When you are new, it's best to first find out what the norms are, what is risky and what isn't, how much to costs to do a deal in various ways. Here's one sample.

    Using Creative Financing To Buy "Off Market" with "Subject To" and "Wraps"

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/311/topics/1265821-usin...
    0Reply
  • Sandra McEwanPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Tampa FL and Augusta, GA · Member since 2021 · 68 posts · 14 votes
    8mo
    Quote from @Jeff Young:

    Have capital and would like to start investing with a strong 5 yr plan.  Looking for advice, help, etc etc.  up for multi, single, commercial, etc.  


    Hey Jeff! I am just seeing this but I invest in Augusta in small MF and happy to chat!  Are you investing in Augusta?

    0Reply
    • Jeff Young
      OP
      SC · Member since 2019 · 7 posts · 14 votes
      1mo

      @Sandra McEwan hey Sandra,

         Sorry for such a late response.  I live in the Augusta area and yes I am looking to start investing. Capital is not an issue.  Would love some advice from someone seasoned!  

      0Reply
    • Sandra McEwanPro Member
      Rental Property Investor · Tampa FL and Augusta, GA · Member since 2021 · 68 posts · 14 votes
      1mo
      Quote from @Jeff Young:

      @Sandra McEwan hey Sandra,

         Sorry for such a late response.  I live in the Augusta area and yes I am looking to start investing. Capital is not an issue.  Would love some advice from someone seasoned!  


       Hey Jeff, of course anytime! Send me a private message!

      0Reply
  • Winn MerwinPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Augusta, GA · Member since 2016 · 90 posts · 32 votes
    8mo

    Hey Jeff! 

    I’m a real estate investor in the Augusta area. I’m always looking for someone to run an errand or check on something for me as I live 2 hours away. Let me know if you are interested!

    0Reply
  • Nicholas L.Pro Member
    Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    1mo

    @Jeff Young

    well hello again.  i have 2 facts i didn't before (didn't look at your profile):

    -you're not in a position to house hack, which is fine, it's not a fit for everyone; and

    -you're a home inspector.

    in my opinion, returns on non value add LTRs have gone to zero. so, the market remains exceptionally challenging. given your background, you could try a flip or a BRRRR. this typically requires sourcing something off market that is somewhat or very distressed, which obviously presents risk. but, as a home inspector with capital, you have some advantages.

    0Reply
  • Arman AhmedPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 938 votes
    1mo
    Quote from @Jeff Young:

    Have capital and would like to start investing with a strong 5 yr plan.  Looking for advice, help, etc etc.  up for multi, single, commercial, etc.  


    Having capital is a great starting point, but I’d focus on picking a strategy and market before deploying it. Get comfortable analyzing deals, understanding cash flow, and building a solid local team. If you’re open to investing out of state, I’d also look at Midwest markets where lower entry costs can give you more options across single-family, multifamily, and value-add deals. The goal isn’t just buying a property, it’s building a repeatable plan you can scale over the next five years.

    [email protected]614-418-6081
    0Reply
  • Marvin ChapmanPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2025 · 18 posts · 10 votes
    1mo

    Hello Jeff. It sounds like you are in a great position and have many options. This is my take on what you should consider with a 5-year plan regarding single family, small multifamily, and commercial properties.

    Single family rentals will be the easiest to enter, manage, and exit. The risk of single-family rentals is low to moderate when compared to other property types. The capital required to invest is low to moderate. The management can easily be outsourced, and it is the easiest to exit in five years.

    Next, small multifamily rentals (2 – 4 units) are moderate when compared to single family rentals. The risk of small multifamily is moderate. The capital required will be greater than with single family rentals. The management demands will be more intensive. At the five-year exit, the value created can be scaled higher because of the multiple units.

    Lastly, commercial properties will have the highest demands. The risks are the highest because of the capital required. The demands of management should be manageable with a professional property management company. At the five-year exit, you will leave with value added or refinance at a better rate to hold.

    0Reply
  • Caden Jackman
    GA · Member since 2024 · 13 posts · 2 votes
    1mo

    Hi Jeff, that's a very excited place to be in! We have had great success in Augusta, GA with rentals that are surrounded around the Masters golf tournament. If you would like to connect more, I would love to set you up with some of our contacts around the Augusta area!

    0Reply
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