Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 16%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$39 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime

Let's keep in touch

Subscribe to our newsletter for timely insights and actionable tips on your real estate journey.

By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions
×
Try Pro Features for Free
Start your 7 day free trial. Pick markets, find deals, analyze and manage properties.
Followed Discussions Followed Categories Followed People Followed Locations
All Forum Categories
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

All Forum Posts by: Wale Lawal

Wale Lawal has started 87 posts and replied 4540 times.

Post: Start With Cheap Rentals or Buy Better Property With a Loan?

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,720
  • Votes 2,513

@Steve Bob

Great question—both strategies can work, but they serve different goals. Buying cheaper, cash-flowing properties outright in rougher areas can help you scale faster using the BRRRR method, especially if you're comfortable with higher tenant and management risk. On the other hand, putting your cash into a stronger asset in a better neighborhood may offer more stable appreciation and fewer headaches, but it'll likely take longer to scale. If your goal is long-term wealth and portfolio growth, the BRRRR route can be more aggressive, but only if you're confident in managing the risks.

Good luck!

Post: Investing Preparation for House Hacking

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,720
  • Votes 2,513

@Ayden Berchtold

You're thinking strategically, which is great. Since you're 2 years out from house hacking and eligible for a VA loan, it's wise to focus on keeping your funds liquid—building your cash reserves should be the priority over locking money into less accessible investments. You can still split some into safe, short-term vehicles (like high-yield savings or money market accounts), but avoid tying up too much in volatile or long-horizon investments until you're closer to buying. As for the VA loan, connecting with a VA-savvy lender early can help you understand rates, closing costs, and how to maximize its benefits.

Good luck!

Post: Local or out of state investing

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,720
  • Votes 2,513

@Chaim Mal

You're in a common spot for NYC-based investors—local prices are sky-high, and your current income limits your financing options. House hacking is a smart strategy, but in a market like Brooklyn, even that can be tough to pull off without strong income or a co-borrower. You might consider starting with an out-of-state property in a more affordable market where you can get in with a low down payment and possibly partner with a local property manager. Build equity and experience remotely, then circle back to NYC when you're more financially positioned. Let me know if you want help identifying solid out-of-state markets—happy to point you in the right direction!

Good luck!

Post: Houston Real Estate Investors, Home Builders and Developer Networking Event

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,720
  • Votes 2,513


RSVP Here Now !

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/real-estate-investors-home-builders-and-developer-networking-event-tickets-605256126367?

🏠 Are you interested in real estate investing, no matter your experience level? 🏠

Join us every Last Thursday of the Month from 6 - 8 PM CST for valuable insights and networking opportunities about Real Estate Investing, Home Building Processes, and Development Opportunities. We will like to have you join us.

🌟 What to Expect:

Our goal is simple - to provide you with valuable education, shared experiences, and a chance to network. Whether you're buying your first investment property, considering building your first duplex or you are a seasoned investor, builder, developer, or simply have real estate questions, this event is for you!

📋 Some Topics we typically cover are:

🚀 How To Invest in Multifamily Properties

🚀 How To Build your first duplex

🚀 Buying Your First Multifamily Deal, Start to Finish

🚀 Underwriting Multifamily Deals

🚀 How To Invest in Land

🚀 How To Become a Builder and Developer

🚀 Raising Capital from Private Investors

🚀 Identifying Growing Real Estate Markets

🚀 Sourcing Off-Market Deals

🚀 Multifamily Real Estate Financing

🚀 Utilizing Depreciation for Tax Benefits

🚀 Real-Life Case Studies of Some Deals

🤝 Networking:

We believe in the power of connections. That's why we offer live networking sessions, allowing you to build relationships and potentially secure private capital for your real estate ventures.

🚀 Don't Miss Out! This is an event you won't want to miss, and we encourage you to invite anyone who can benefit from it.

📞 Have Questions? Feel free to reach out to Wale at 832-776-9582 for any questions or concerns.

💻 Visit Our Website:

We are excited to connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to each other and our community. See you at our next event!

Thank you for your interest, and let's grow together in the world of real estate investing! 🏡🤝🚀

RSVP Here Now !

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/real-estate-investors-home-builders-and-developer-networking-event-tickets-605256126367?

Post: Say goodbye to Zillow...

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,720
  • Votes 2,513

@Rene Hosman This is a great feature that will help many new investors take action and get out of the analysis paralysis menace we are all guilty of.

Thank you and the team for the continuous improvement on tools to make real estate investing a lot easier.

I will try the tools and provide my feedback as soon as possible.

Post: Building My First Houston 5 Duplexes in Sunnyside Area of Houston, Texas

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,720
  • Votes 2,513
Quote from @Lee Hampton:

Congrats on the project! Here are two key points to consider:

  1. 1. Cost Considerations: Speaking as a builder, the price per square foot you alluded to seems quite low. Make sure to account for infrastructure expenses, as you'll need to install five sewer taps and 10 water meters, which could cost around $10,000 per duplex. It's crucial to clarify what's included in your builder's quote.
  2. 2. Replatting Regulations: Be aware that there have been recent changes in the rules for replatting in that neighborhood. You now need at least 44 feet of frontage for each unit in order to have a front-facing garage. If you don't meet this requirement, you will have to opt for a shared driveway setup.

 @Lee Hampton Thank you for pointing these 2 important factors out, I will sure to make sure that I discuss this with my builder.

Very much appreciated.

Post: Investor Looking for Agent Plugged Into Distressed & Off-Market Deals – DFW Area

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,720
  • Votes 2,513

@Teni Owojori

If you're actively buying distressed properties in DFW—especially in areas like Oak Cliff, Pleasant Grove, and Mesquite—and can close quickly with cash, you're exactly the kind of buyer many wholesalers and investor-friendly agents want to work with. Make sure you're consistently networking with probate attorneys, foreclosure specialists, and local agents to keep those leads flowing. If you’re looking for solid agent connections in TX, feel free to DM me and I’ll point you in the right direction.

Good luck!

Post: Understanding House Hacking / appreciation

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,720
  • Votes 2,513

@Vaughn Jennings

Great question—generally, single-family homes in A/B class neighborhoods tend to appreciate more reliably over time due to higher buyer demand and a larger resale market. However, multifamily properties (duplexes, triplexes, etc.) offer stronger cash flow potential, even if appreciation is slightly slower. Renting by the room in a single-family home can work, especially near colleges or urban job centers, but it takes more effort to manage. For ease and scalability, a small multifamily is often the more realistic and balanced house hack strategy.

Good luck!

Post: New Out-of-State Investor Targeting Columbus, OH

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,720
  • Votes 2,513

@Roy Nackar

Welcome to BP!

you're taking all the right steps by educating yourself and getting plugged into a mentorship program early on. Columbus, OH has solid fundamentals for long-term rentals, but as an out-of-state investor, make sure you're vetting property managers and contractors thoroughly, as management can make or break your deal. Also, be aware of neighborhood-level differences; some areas look great on paper but might have higher tenant turnover or maintenance costs.

Good luck!

Post: New investor seeking advices.

Wale Lawal
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX
  • Posts 4,720
  • Votes 2,513

@Rimane Tientega

You're on the right track by asking about house hacking—it's a powerful strategy, especially for first-time buyers with limited income. FHA loans can allow you to buy a multi-unit property (like a duplex, triplex, or fourplex) with just 3.5% down, live in one unit, and rent out the others to offset your mortgage. I'd recommend asking your counselor directly: "Can I qualify for an FHA loan to purchase a 2–4 unit property and house hack?" if they aren't familiar with that strategy, it may be worth getting a second opinion.

Good luck!