All Forum Posts by: Wale Lawal

@DeWayne Rooks

That's awesome you're diving into real estate investing—multifamily is a great way to build long-term wealth and cash flow. Start by learning the basics: analyzing deals, financing options (like FHA, conventional, or commercial loans), and understanding the difference between small multifamily (2–4 units) and large (5+ units) which fall under commercial lending. It's also helpful to explore strategies like house hacking, BRRRR, or syndications depending on your goals and capital. DM me and I'll point you in the right direction with resources, local market info, and potential mentorship connections here in Texas.

Good luck!

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

@Francis Bernadel

You're on the right track by pivoting and staying focused on both building your family life and wealth. Long-distance investing can absolutely work—many investors build solid portfolios in affordable, cash-flowing markets like Rochester, Buffalo, or parts of the Midwest and Southeast. Just make sure you have a solid local team (property manager, agent, contractor). For your rental, find a modest place well below your budget to keep saving aggressively. Also, consider “rent by necessity” markets where rents are stable but properties are still affordable—this gives you room to scale smartly.

Good luck!

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

@Jaypee Pau

That 100% financing option sounds like a great way to get into house hacking with low upfront costs—especially if you’ve got solid income and a 620+ credit score. Just make sure to run the numbers carefully: even with no down payment, you’ll still need reserves for repairs, vacancies, and closing costs. It’s perfect for a duplex or triplex where you live in one unit and rent the others. Definitely worth comparing lender terms and ensuring cash flow supports your monthly obligations from day one.

Good luck!

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

@Jaylin Warner

You're thinking the right way by prioritizing a manageable mortgage and aiming for house hacking—it’s a smart first move. Under $200K for a small multifamily in Fort Worth is extremely tough in today’s market, but expanding to secondary markets like Ennis, Waco, or Wichita Falls is a solid strategy, especially if the numbers work and you’re willing to live there. Another idea is to consider a single-family home with a rentable garage apartment or a layout that could be split—sometimes this creates the same financial result as a duplex. DM me and I’ll point you in the right direction with local listings, off-market options, and ways to creatively make house hacking work with your budget.

Good luck!

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

@Gp G.

Tapping into your 401k can supercharge your investment, but the penalties and taxes are steep—so make sure the returns justify the loss. If you're set on Atlanta, focus on B- or strong C+ neighborhoods like East Point, Decatur, or Marietta for solid cash flow and appreciation. A 4- to 12-unit multifamily could give you scale without needing syndication, especially if you keep management local. That said, consider rolling your 401k into a self-directed IRA instead—you avoid penalties, keep tax advantages, and can still invest in real estate. A real estate-savvy CPA and a custodian like Rocket Dollar or Equity Trust can guide you there efficiently.

Good luck!

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

@Myoungsu Son

You're in a strong position—great income, solid cash reserves, and clarity on your goals. Option 1 gives you a chance to house hack in a high-cost market and start building equity fast, especially with Boston rents offsetting your mortgage. Option 2 offers diversification and potentially better cash flow, but requires more management and knowledge of out-of-state markets. If you're leaning toward starting a family soon, Option 1 may offer more stability and long-term upside while still getting your foot in the investing door.

Good luck!

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

@Bernard Butler

Great move starting with house hacking—it’s one of the smartest ways to learn while living for less. Focus on buying in a solid area with strong rental demand, run your numbers conservatively, and account for repairs, vacancies, and management—even if you’re doing it yourself at first. Get pre-approved, work with an investor-friendly agent, and don’t skip the inspection. Most importantly, take action—learning is great, but progress comes from doing.

Good luck!

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

@Nicholas Rigali

With $400K, a solid salary, and a long runway, you're in a great spot to build serious wealth through real estate. I'd start with a house hack or live-in value-add property—duplex or triplex—so you benefit from owner-occupied financing and get hands-on experience. Then, scale into BRRRR or small multifamily deals, keeping $50K–$100K in reserves to stay liquid and flexible. Over time, use equity and cash flow to diversify—maybe a flip or even partner on larger deals. With your timeline and mentor, you're set to build a strong, scalable portfolio.

Good luck!

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

@David Kimuge

That’s an exciting goal and you’re in a great market for flipping—DFW has a lot of potential if you buy smart. Creative financing can be a game-changer, especially in your first few deals. Options like seller financing, subject-to deals, private money, and hard money loans allow you to acquire properties with little to no traditional bank involvement—just make sure the deal has enough margin to cover the cost of capital. DM me and I’ll point you in the right direction with some solid local lenders, private capital resources, and tips to structure your first flip creatively and profitably.

Good luck!

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

@Elisha Johnston

Sounds like a solid plan, and timing is key here. To bridge the June–August gap, consider a personal loan, 0% APR credit card advance (if you qualify), or a family/friend loan with clear terms—just enough to cover that shortfall. Once your student loans disburse in August, you can pay it back immediately. Just make sure your lender is comfortable with your source of funds and repayment plan. It's all about temporary liquidity without overextending yourself.

Good luck!

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