All Forum Posts by: Wale Lawal

 Agreed.

@Jonathan Greene
I agree with the fact that the moderators do a great job and the poster should never know who pulled their post down (something like @BPAdmins will work).

Some of my posts, which were not even AI-generated, have been pulled down on three different occasions, so the Moderators are doing their best.

The management needs to reduce the Podcast volume. This is not 2020 and 2021; time has changed, and consumption has drastically reduced, especially with thousands of other podcasts out there. 

It's practically impossible for any BP loyalists to listen to 3 podcast episodes weekly. 
I understand there is a marketing/ads placement motive, but in my opinion, BiggerPockets is losing the founders value-first focus.
This is my personal opinion and I hope we see some meaningful changes soon before it's too late. @J Scott 
@Scott Trench @Dave Meyer

@Al Watts

This is funny. Not that bad in the Houston Area, but I also recommend that @Nomal Samaraweera should buy a newer property to save on some headache and frustration.

@Fabian Gage

That’s an awesome move, getting licensed and building systems early on will give you a big advantage in the DFW market. Arlington is a strong location for flips, especially with the right contractor team and marketing funnel in place. The key is locking in solid buy-box criteria, reliable agents, and aligning with lenders who can move quickly. DM me and I’ll point you in the right direction with some great local contacts and tips to help you scale with confidence.

Good luck!

Wale — Houston-based investor agent working with buy-and-hold clients.

@Gabe Arnaud

That's awesome to hear—taking that first step is the hardest part! Start with a clear strategy: house hack, BRRRR, or buy-and-hold—pick one based on your current finances and risk tolerance. Build a solid team early (lender, agent, contractor), and run your numbers conservatively—cash flow is king. Most importantly, take action on one deal; analysis paralysis kills momentum.

Good luck!

Wale — Houston-based investor agent working with buy-and-hold clients.

@Keaton Vols

You're already ahead of the game with one house hack under your belt—well done! It’s completely normal to feel uneasy about out-of-area investing at first, but success comes from building a solid local team (agent, property manager, contractor) and really understanding the market data before jumping in. Start by focusing on just one out-of-state city, learn its neighborhoods, rent trends, and landlord laws. DM me and I’ll point you in the right direction with market suggestions and connections to help you feel more confident expanding your portfolio.

Good luck!

Wale — Houston-based investor agent working with buy-and-hold clients.

@Omar Lopez

With $9,300 saved, house hacking in LA/Ventura may be tough right now due to high prices and down payment requirements—even for FHA or VA loans. You might consider out-of-state rentals in cash-flowing markets like Indy or OKC to get started and build experience. Just make sure to factor in property management and vacancy when investing remotely. In the meantime, focus on boosting savings, improving credit, and maybe teaming up with a partner to expand your options locally.

Good luck!

Wale — Houston-based investor agent working with buy-and-hold clients.

@Kevin Zapolski

Hey Kevin, great job on getting your first property—house hacking is a smart way to start! Since you're planning your next move, focus on building equity, improving your debt-to-income ratio, and saving for your next down payment. Look into owner-occupied loans again if you're willing to move, or conventional financing if not. Start with BiggerPockets' guides on scaling from 1 to 2+ units and dive into forums focused on BRRRR, small multifamily, or market-specific threads.

Good luck!

Wale — Houston-based investor agent working with buy-and-hold clients.

@Karlton Ellies

Welcome to the world of real estate investing, starting with house hacking using your VA loan is a smart move, especially since it allows you to purchase with little to no money down. The key now is surrounding yourself with investor-friendly agents, lenders, and mentors who understand the local Texas market and VA loan strategy. Focus on finding a property where the rental income from the other units or rooms can cover most (or all) of your mortgage. DM me and I'll point you in the right direction with connections, resources, and potential mentors to help you get started.

Good luck!

Wale — Houston-based investor agent working with buy-and-hold clients.

@Ian Ciborowski

Hey Ian, you're on a solid path—house hacking a 2–4 unit in the Chicagoland area is a smart first move. Berwyn, Cicero, and Portage Park all have strong rental demand and solid cap rate potential, especially if you buy right. Keep stacking your savings and get pre-approved early so you’re ready to act when the right deal comes. Also, networking locally with agents and other investors will give you an edge.

Good luck!

Wale — Houston-based investor agent working with buy-and-hold clients.