All Forum Posts by: Steve Marshall

Matthew,

good to see more AD military on here. I'm AD myself, currently living overseas. While being in the military does provide some challenges it also allows opportunities like the VA loan and tax opportunities available only to military.

In addition, as we move around there are more areas we are familiar with.

Good luck, and stay in touch!

Steve

Maggie,

Great to see you on here. I'm active AF as well (currently stationed overseas). What area of MD are you working now? I'm thinking that I may end up at Andrews next and while I'll probably rent my own home, I am looking for areas to invest.

Good luck!

Steve 

Anthony,

Welcome.  Fellow active duty AF here.  I also live overseas (Bangkok) and am trying to slowly grow my portfolio.  I'm impressed that you're doing this while in the military and being young(ish) enlisted makes it more impressive.  While I think I'm a little older than you, you are slightly ahead of me in your portfolio.  I wish I would have stared younger.  We're both facing similar challenges from location, so I look forward to sharing with you.

Steve

James,

I'm in a similar position. Just started investing while living in Bangkok. I'm active duty AF. The key is having a realtor/property manager you trust. I found one using a recommendation from another service member who invests from overseas. So far-so good.  

I'll throw in on this  (military keyword got me too)  Active AF currently flying a king-air in Thailand (and all over SE Asia) for the embassies in the area.  Before that I flew and passed gas in a KC-135, and did a tour in the C-130.   Finally, I put in about 1500 hours spinning in the same airspace William is as an exchange instructor.   

I don't know what's next, but I'm sure it will involve a whole new set of limits.  

I'm just a beginning in REI. 2 houses and looking to grow.

Steve,

I live in Thailand now while posted at the Embassy.  If you have questions, let me know.  

As far as your idea: investing from overseas is easy on a small scale or with good systems and good people in place...use Property Management and/or have your own PM biz with someone trustworthy in charge.  Go back for 6 months a year (maybe better in 3 month increments) to check on things and grow the business.  It may even keep you from pushing too hard/too fast.  

Living in Thailand is certainly good.  

Stay in touch,

Steve 

Krista,

Fellow Military investor living overseas.  Two tips:  Plan for Property management when you buy the property (because you will move), and don't bet on appreciation and selling in 3 years (that's gambling).

Good luck!

Steve

Welcome Kieth.  

Fellow military approaching retirement. Debating how to best make the transition and incorporate REI into my plan.

You've certainly found the right place.

Steve 

Austin,

Talk to a local lender and I'm sure they would be happy to refinance that loan for you. Expect to be required to maintain 20-25% equity and for the rate to probably go up a little bit. This may be dependent on how long your VA loan has been in place. A lot of places require a year of seasoning as well... if the first lender doesn't answer, keep trying. @Elizabeth Colegrove may have some advice on lenders in that area that work with folks in your situation.  

Good luck! I wish I would have used my VA for a multi before I had 4 kids...

Steve 

Welcome to the boards.  I'm active military myself and there is a large community on here of military investors.  

I highly recommend the podcasts and the blogs for education.  

Steve