All Forum Posts by: Wale Lawal

@Kristin Hayles

You're in a great position to make a strong transition into real estate investing, especially with your background as a realtor and your long-term mindset. Starting in January 2026 gives you time to solidify your strategy—whether that's house hacking, buy-and-hold, or short-term rentals—and leverage your license to find great deals and help others. If you need help building a roadmap or exploring TX market opportunities, feel free to DM me and I’ll point you in the right direction!

Good luck!

@Jamie Mrazek

Welcome to BP! and it’s awesome that you’re taking real estate seriously now! With your military background, business experience, and hands-on repair skills, you’ve got a strong foundation to succeed, especially in value-add strategies like flips or BRRRRs. Feel free to reach out if you need help evaluating deals, financing options, or market insights.

Good luck!

@Elijah Romer

Great question—and congrats on getting to the buying stage! If a property is physically a duplex but zoned single-family (RSF-3), it could present issues with permits, insurance, financing, or future resale. It’s not necessarily a deal-breaker, but you’ll want to confirm if the second unit is legal or “grandfathered in” by the city, and whether it can be legally rented. Always check with your local zoning or planning department before moving forward.

Good luck!

@Ethan Tomlinson

You're in an amazing position for 22—$20K saved and a family member willing to offer creative financing is a powerful combo. Unfortunately, to qualify for an FHA loan, you still need to meet standard requirements like 2 years of W-2 income or steady self-employment, regardless of how much help you get for the down payment or reserves. But here's the play: consider using your grandma's loan as a bridge to buy a small multifamily with seller or private financing, then refinance into a conventional loan later once you qualify. Work on finding lenders, creative strategies, and evaluating a BRRRR deal the smart way.

Good luck!

@Yulya Marucya

You're in a tough but common spot many Austin-area investors are facing right now—buying high during the peak and now holding a negative cash-flowing asset. Since you’ve got a 3.5% mortgage, I'd explore every creative strategy before selling at a loss—think co-living to maximize rent, furnished room rentals, or partnering with a local operator to optimize Airbnb management. But if your financial or mental bandwidth is stretched, cutting losses now could free you up for better opportunities in stronger cash-flow markets. If you need help running numbers or want a second set of eyes on options, DM me and I’ll point you in the right direction.

Good luck!

@Andrew Chase

You're on a great path—house hacking in Jacksonville while renting out your Richmond property is a solid strategy that balances growth with stability. Keeping your Virginia home could pay off long-term, especially with neighborhood development and your low interest rate, but if you're leaning toward multifamily in Florida, using your equity via a sale or HELOC could accelerate your portfolio. Since you're still early in your investing journey, sticking with a single-family house hack and gradually building confidence and capital before jumping into multifamily sounds both smart and sustainable—you're thinking like a long-term investor.

Good luck!

@Zachary Wallis

Zach, starting in your early 20s is a huge advantage—well done on saving up your first down payment. Since NYC prices make local investing tough, going out of state is a solid option, but be mindful: turnkey companies like Rent to Retirement can offer convenience, though they often come with premium pricing and less control. If you're serious about building a portfolio long-term, consider building your own team ("boots on the ground") to learn the business and gain more equity and experience along the way.

Good luck!

@Sarah Patel

You're in a great position to start locally—especially since you already have a trusted agent, contractor network, and familiarity with the area. While out-of-state investing can offer stronger returns, starting close to home (even with a flip or long-term rental instead of an STR) can help you learn the ropes without overextending yourselves—especially with a growing family and demanding work schedules. As your experience grows, you'll be better positioned to explore higher-ROI markets with confidence and systems already in place.

Good luck!

@Yury Krytsyn

It's great that you're doing your homework and ready to take action—out-of-state investing can absolutely work with your $150–$200K budget, especially in cash-flowing markets like the Midwest (e.g., Indiana, Ohio, Missouri) or Southeast (e.g., Alabama, Georgia). For your first deal, a single-family or small multifamily in a landlord-friendly state with strong rental demand is ideal—just make sure to build a solid local team (start by networking through local investor meetups or BP forums). As for asset protection, one LLC is usually fine to start, ideally registered in the state where the property is located. Be cautious of long-distance rehabs and property managers—interview multiple and always verify their references and licenses. You're off to a great start—take action with a clear plan and lean on your network for support.

Good luck!

@Courtney Willess

House hacking with young kids and dogs is absolutely possible—it just requires a bit more planning. Downsizing into a townhome may feel tight at first, but if your goal is to grow your portfolio faster, it can be a smart short-term trade-off. Since the townhome may not cash flow immediately, focus on strong location and long-term upside (refinance potential, rental demand, etc.), and keep your exit strategy in mind for when you move again in a year.

Good luck!