All Forum Posts by: Wale Lawal

@Adam Grimes

You're taking a great first step by thinking long-term, Adam. Since you're aiming to build a portfolio, I'd recommend starting with a solid first property—perhaps a small multi-family or a single-family rental in a strong Texas market—to build equity and experience. If you need help narrowing down markets or setting up a game plan, feel free to DM me and I’ll point you in the right direction!

Good luck!

@Anthony Jimenez

You're in a great position by combining your VA loan benefits with house hacking to start building wealth in L.A. I'd recommend focusing on duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes in emerging neighborhoods where rents can offset your mortgage, and be ready to act quickly on deals since the competition is strong. Since you're also a new Realtor, leverage your MLS access and network aggressively.

Good luck!

@Fernando Cueva

You're starting at a perfect age, Fernando, and your mindset of living frugally and saving aggressively will set you up for success. Right now, focus on building your income, continuing your education on real estate, and networking as much as you can—local meetups and online communities like this are great places to start. Stay consistent, and you’ll turn your goals into reality much sooner than you think!

Good luck!

@Kurt Meehan

You're building a strong foundation early, which is impressive. As you get closer to buying, I'd recommend shifting more savings into a HYSA to keep your down payment funds liquid and secure. House hacking a 4-plex is a fantastic first move, but keep in mind you’ll likely need a full-time job lined up to qualify for a mortgage. Getting your real estate license isn't necessary unless you plan to actively buy/sell properties yourself, and hiring a property manager from the start is smart—it'll give you professional systems and support early on. Keep going—you’re setting yourself up really well!

Good luck!

@Chaston Hughes

You're in a great position to start building your portfolio in Mount Belvieu with your strong income. Since you're just getting started, focusing on properties that give you modest cash flow and help you build equity (and a lending track record) is a smart move. I’d recommend connecting with a local investor-friendly agent and lender who understands your goals—DM me and I’ll gladly point you in the right direction or help you build a team to guide you through it.

Good luck!

@Chaim Mal

Investing in Brooklyn can be tough due to high prices, so looking out of state is a smart alternative—but you'll need to do your homework. Start by choosing a few markets with strong job growth, population trends, and rental demand. From there, dive into local data, connect with agents or property managers on the ground, and use tools like Rentometer, Zillow, or local Facebook investor groups to get a feel for neighborhoods.

Good luck!

@Jack OMalley

You're on the right track, Jack—taking the time to build your emergency fund, learn the ropes, and leverage your construction background gives you a solid foundation for real estate investing. Starting with a house hack, especially through a family connection, could be a great first step with lower risk and built-in support. Be ready to take the leap or need help analyzing the numbers.

Good luck!

@Scott Hand

You're making a smart move by transitioning from house hacking to investing in multifamily rentals near colleges or military bases—those areas often have strong, consistent tenant demand. Focus on markets in the Southeast like Fayetteville, NC (Fort Liberty), or Athens, GA (college town) where price points are still reasonable and cash flow is possible. Leverage your insurance background to evaluate risk and property coverage wisely.

Good luck!

@Danita Young

You're off to a great start by saving $20K and planning to house hack a duplex—smart move for long-term wealth. Since California can be expensive, look into more affordable but stable markets like Sacramento, parts of the Inland Empire (like Riverside or San Bernardino), or even Bakersfield. These areas can qualify for FHA loans, have strong rental demand, and tend to be more landlord-friendly than coastal cities. Focus on neighborhoods with lower crime, near hospitals or schools, and work with an investor-friendly agent who knows the local rental laws.

Good luck!

@Vishu Anekonda

Welcome to BP! With your goal of house hacking in the Portland area and your budget of $400K–$800K, you're in a great position to start building equity while reducing your living expenses. Targeting a duplex or SFH with an ADU is a solid move—especially if you can add value through renovations. Since you're saving aggressively and won't have loan payments for a while, this is the perfect time to line up a great investor-friendly agent, lender, and contractor team.

Good luck!