All Forum Posts by: Wale Lawal

@Rohan Saxena

Great question—it really comes down to your goals, risk tolerance, and how hands-on you want to be. Northern VA is a tough market for cash flow, but it's strong in appreciation, so a house hack there could still build equity while lowering your living expenses. On the other hand, investing out of state in a cash-flowing market like parts of Texas can offer better returns, but it does require building a reliable team on the ground. If you're open to out-of-state, it's definitely worth running the numbers side by side. DM me and I'll point you in the right direction with some high-cash-flow markets and local contacts to get you started.

Good luck!

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

@Fidencio Saldaña

That’s a smart move—house hacking in Providence can be a great way to reduce living costs while building equity. Rhode Island has solid rental demand, especially in areas near colleges or downtown. Focus on multi-family properties in safe, up-and-coming neighborhoods with strong tenant pools. Just be sure to factor in your part-time occupancy when planning financing and property management logistics.

Good luck!

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

@Bridgette Ray

You're asking the right questions, and I love that you're thinking both strategically and long-term. San Marcos and Kyle are hot spots, especially with university traffic and short-term rental potential—but yes, high property taxes can eat into your cash flow quickly. One strategy might be to look for homes just outside city limits or in unincorporated areas where tax rates are significantly lower. You could also consider a smaller property or one that already has a finished garage or ADU to minimize upfront rehab costs. DM me and I'll point you in the right direction with local lenders, off-market opportunities, and how to spot Airbnb potential without blowing your budget.

Good luck!

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

@Norm Smith

Welcome to the investing journey, and thank you for your service! House hacking in Cypress or Katy is a smart move—those areas are growing fast, have strong rental demand, and offer relatively affordable multifamily properties compared to California. Finding a solid duplex or triplex that fits your long-term rental strategy is definitely doable, especially with the right local support. DM me and I’ll point you in the right direction and investor-friendly contacts in the Cypress/Katy market to help you get started.

Good luck!

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

@Sam Arnold

Great question! Since you're already house hacking, you've got a strong foundation. To evaluate readiness, look at your debt-to-income ratio, cash reserves after down payment and closing costs, and whether the new duplex cash flows positively with conservative estimates. Also, consider property management—can you self-manage or will you need help? Lastly, ensure the equity in your current property is accessible if you plan to use it for financing (e.g., HELOC or cash-out refi).

Good luck!

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

@Tanisha Meredith

That's a solid plan—starting with a multifamily and house hacking in Atlanta is a smart move, especially with programs like Georgia Dream and Invest Atlanta to help reduce your upfront costs. Look for lenders who have experience with FHA or conventional loans on 2–4 units and are familiar with layering in assistance programs. Building relationships with investor-friendly agents and local REI meetups can also open doors to deals and resources. You're on the right track—just stay consistent with your prep and networking!

Good luck!

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

@Cole Gorham

Yes, the "live and flip" strategy is a smart entry point—especially with your contracting skills and FHA eligibility. Buying a value-add single-family home in a solid neighborhood, improving it while living there, and selling after 1–2 years (to qualify for the capital gains tax exemption) can help you build equity fast. It's a lower-risk way to enter real estate, preserve your liquidity, and avoid paying rent. Just be sure to buy below market and budget conservatively for holding and renovation costs.

Good luck!

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

@John Russo

You're not alone—finding cash-flowing deals on-market in today’s interest rate environment is tough. Many investors are pivoting to off-market strategies like direct mail, driving for dollars, and networking with wholesalers to uncover better deals. Also, consider small value-add opportunities—minor rehabs or under-market rents can create cash flow where it doesn’t exist initially. Finally, widen your search to include secondary or emerging markets where prices are lower and rent-to-price ratios are stronger.

Good luck!

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

@Jack Pergola

You're thinking big and strategic — that’s a great start. The biggest risk is over-leveraging early without experienced underwriting; be conservative with cash flow projections and stress-test your numbers. Make sure your parents speak with a financial advisor and attorney before any equity release or ownership transfer to protect everyone legally and financially. Start small — even 1–2 well-performing rentals can teach you more than any spreadsheet. Most importantly, keep your reserves strong and build slowly with solid deals before scaling aggressively.

Good luck!

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

@Denise Park

You're in a strong equity position, but safety and stability are top priority. If you're comfortable living there, house hacking with another single mom could lower your monthly cost and build financial independence. However, if safety is a major concern, it may be worth selling, taking your share of the equity, and buying elsewhere with a clean slate—even if it means a higher interest rate. Actionable step: meet with a family law attorney and mortgage broker to understand your refinance vs. sell options clearly, then build a budget based on post-divorce income and housing choice.

Good luck!

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