All Forum Posts by: Wale Lawal

@Jack OMalley

It’s great that you’re thinking ahead and planning to house hack—smart move for a first property. While your parents’ debt-averse mindset has likely helped you stay financially disciplined, it’s worth reframing financing as a tool rather than a burden when used responsibly. In real estate, leverage allows you to control more assets and build wealth faster than saving to buy everything in cash—especially if the property cash flows and appreciates. The key is using conservative underwriting and ensuring every deal pays for itself.

Good luck!

@Khemraj Hamnauth

Welcome to BP! It's great that you're motivated and ready to take action—many investors have successfully started their journeys while raising kids, by focusing on systems and leveraging partnerships. Since you already have equity in your Tampa Bay SFH, consider a cash-out refinance or HELOC to fund a multifamily house hack in a more affordable Northeast market. Look for landlord-friendly areas with strong rent-to-price ratios, and aim for properties that require minimal rehab so you can stay hands-on without overwhelming your time and energy.

Good luck!

@John Toretta

You're taking the right first step by surrounding yourself with experienced investors and staying eager to learn. As you get started, focus on building relationships, asking thoughtful questions, and identifying how you can add value—whether through time, skills, or capital—to grow your knowledge and opportunities in real estate.

Good luck!

 All the best!

@Daniel Jodrey

You're in a strong position with $300K in capital, no housing expenses, and time to dedicate—this is a perfect setup to make your first move. Given your background in hospitality, starting with a small multi-family or STR/MTR-friendly property in a tourist-friendly or demand-stable area (like the coast or near Portland) could align well. Focus on buying a cash-flowing deal even in today's higher-rate environment, and don't wait for perfect market conditions—getting in smart now will teach you more than waiting for an ideal moment. Consider house hacking a multi-unit, partnering on a larger property, or even doing a small value-add BRRRR to stretch your capital.

Good luck!

@Enoch Wolsey

Great question—and it’s one many house hackers wrestle with. You’re thinking like an investor, which is smart. Instead of rushing to buy a primary home (which, as Kiyosaki says, doesn’t produce income), consider staying in the duplex as long as possible to build equity and stack cash. From there, you could either buy your next property as another house hack, or use the equity to level up into your dream primary home with less financial stress.

Good luck!

@Andrew Starliper

Hey Andrew, congrats on the new baby and welcome to the world of real estate investing! With your VA loan eligibility, you're in a strong position to start house hacking—a great way to get your foot in the door with little to no down payment while living in the property. Given your flexibility and interest in markets like Dallas or Tennessee, consider transferring to a city with solid job growth and affordable housing where you can buy a small multifamily or single-family with ADU potential. That move could jumpstart your investing journey with minimal capital.

Good luck!

@Ron Amshalom

Absolutely—it's possible to build a 10–20 door portfolio starting with limited capital, but it takes creativity and persistence. Many investors begin by house hacking, using low down payment loans (like FHA or VA), or partnering with others to scale faster. Focus on value-add deals, BRRRR strategies, or seller financing where possible to recycle your capital.

Good luck!

@Burhan Senih

You're in a strong position with a paid-off condo and solid rental income, and tapping into that equity via a DSCR cash-out refinance is a smart move to scale. If ease and cash flow are your top priorities, sticking with condos could work—but your concern about HOA unpredictability and limited appreciation is valid. If you're playing a longer-term game, you might consider diversifying into a single-family home (SFH) in a growth market, even if the cash flow is tighter upfront, since SFHs typically offer better appreciation and more control. House hacking a SFH could also help you offset expenses and build faster equity. As for multiple mortgages, they're manageable as long as your properties cash flow, reserves are in place, and you don't overleverage—steady payments through downturns is key.

Good luck!

@Ezra Wool

Hey Ezra, sounds like you've already got a solid foundation with your previous house hacks and market exposure through BiggerPockets. Both Chattanooga and Columbia are strong choices for cash-flowing markets with stable rental demand, decent cap rates, and room for appreciation—plus they're investor-friendly cities within driving distance. I'd recommend diving into local data on Rentometer, Roofstock, or Mashvisor for rental comps and ROI estimates.

Good luck!