All Forum Posts by: Aisha Umar

Hey BP community! 

If you're an investor, developer, or wholesaler looking to move projects forward fast, I provide full architectural and MEP drawings tailored for city permit approval across the U.S.

 2D Floor Plans
 Site Plans
Elevations
 MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) Layouts
 Code-Compliant Construction Sets
 CAD/Revit Files Provided

I've worked with clients across Florida, California, Texas, and Chicago, especially those doing new builds, ADUs, SFR flips, and even tiny/townhouse conversions.

 Fast turnaround
 Competitive pricing
 Revisions included
 City permit-focused documentation

If you’re looking for reliable drawing support or have questions about permitting requirements in your area, feel free to reach out or drop a comment here. Happy to help!

Hey BP community 

I've been quietly supporting a few investors here and there with architectural drawings specifically for city permits, layout redesigns, and MEP plans for BRRRR, flips, and ADU conversions.

I figured I’d share here in case anyone’s looking for reliable help getting their permit sets handled. I work remotely and have experience aligning with city requirements across various U.S. states.

If you’re:

• Working on a value-add rental or BRRRR

• Need drawings for permits or lender packages

• Or just want to explore layout options for a renovation

I’d be happy to connect or provide some samples.

Not here to hard sell just putting it out there and happy to collaborate or answer any design/code-related questions if you’re stuck mid-project.

Congrats Grace!  To get started in real estate, build a core team that includes:

• Real estate agent (local market expert)

• Mortgage broker or lender

• Real estate attorney (esp. for contracts)

• Accountant or CPA

• Property manager (if renting)

• Contractor/inspector (for rehab or due diligence)

Congrats Grace! To get started in real estate, build a core team that includes:

• Real estate agent (local market expert)

• Mortgage broker or lender

• Real estate attorney (esp. for contracts)

• Accountant or CPA

• Property manager (if renting)

• Contractor/inspector (for rehab or due diligence)

Let me know if you’re investing in WA or considering U.S. markets happy to share more!

Hey Shyla! 
You’re so welcome  I’m really glad it was helpful! I’d love to connect as well ,  feel free to DM anytime. Always excited to share ideas, encourage each other, and grow together in this journey.
Also, huge respect for the clarity in your goals  building a 5+ property portfolio in 6 years is an awesome mission, and I’m cheering you on all the way! Talk soon,

Hey Simon,

Totally get where you’re coming from land + build can feel like a big hurdle upfront. One thing that helped me was looking into construction-to-perm loans. Some lenders bundle the land and build into one loan and convert it to a mortgage after.

Also, if the seller owns the land free and clear, you might be able to work out seller financing to ease the upfront cash. I’ve seen some folks also partner with local builders who already own lots and are open to flexible terms.

Creative routes exist it’s just about finding one that fits your situation. Wishing you luck with it! Feel free to DM if you ever want to swap notes.

Hey Shyla!

I'm still early in the game myself, but I went to BPCon once and honestly it was one of the best decisions I made. It didn’t magically get me a deal, but the connections, mindset shift, and confidence I left with made a huge difference.

If you’re someone who thrives off learning in-person and wants to build long-term relationships with people in the same boat (or further ahead), it’s 100% worth considering. Especially if you’re investing out of state it’s a great place to meet agents, PMs, lenders, etc. from all over.

Hi Mylo,

You’re asking all the right questions and it’s clear you’re taking this seriously, which is the best mindset for a first-time investor. Let’s break this down:

1. How to Know if a Property Is a Good Rental Investment

Focus on the core numbers:

• Cash Flow: Monthly income minus all expenses (mortgage, taxes, insurance, repairs, management, utilities).

• Cap Rate: Net Operating Income ÷ Purchase Price. Good cap rates vary by market, but aim for at least 5–6%+.

• Cash-on-Cash Return: (Annual Cash Flow ÷ Total Cash Invested) × 100.

• Occupancy Rates & STR Rules: Make sure STR (short-term rental) is allowed by local zoning laws and HOA rules.

• Neighborhood Trends: Look at local comps, job growth, population trends, and property appreciation.

2. AirDNA Confidence Scores & Alternatives

• AirDNA is useful, but don’t rely on the confidence score alone. Look at:

  • Occupancy rate

  • Average nightly rate (ADR)

  • Revenue potential vs. comps

• If the score is “medium,” verify the data:

  • Is it pulling from similar properties (bed/bath, amenities, location)?

  • Look at individual property performance in the “Rentalizer” tool.

Other tools to cross-check:

• Mashvisor – For STR and traditional rental analytics.

• Rabbu – STR projections with visuals and financial models.

• Furnished Finder / Airbnb actual listings – Manually check what hosts are charging and how booked they are.

3. Should You Switch Agents?

You’re absolutely not wrong to want an agent who understands investor needs. A good investment-focused agent will:

• Send pre-screened properties that meet your financial goals.

• Know STR regulations, neighborhood rents, and repair costs.

• Help model returns and future value.

If your current agent is great personally but not professionally aligned with your goals, here are two respectful options:

• Keep her as your “buying agent” but bring in a mentor, deal analyst, or coach for property analysis.

• Or say something like:
  “We’ve really appreciated your help and want to be fully transparent—since we’re looking for an investment property, we may also consult with someone who specializes in investment deals to make sure we’re making the right call. We value our friendship and didn’t want to do this behind your back.”

Final Advice for First-Time STR Investors:

• Always run the numbers conservatively (assume lower income, higher expenses).

• Check local laws and any changes coming for STR ordinances.

• Don’t fall in love with a property fall in love with the numbers.

Hi Abiy,

You're clearly building a strong portfolio expanding into Hampton Roads makes a lot of sense given your Norfolk presence. I’d recommend checking out the Hampton Roads REIA, as well as local Facebook groups like “757 Real Estate Investors” and “Hampton Roads Off-Market Deals.”

Also worth connecting with investor-friendly agents and GCs through platforms like BiggerPockets and Meetup.

Happy to connect or point you toward some local contacts shooting you a PM now!

Hi Jonathan,

Great to hear you’re getting started! Here’s a simple approach to finding and working with dependable contractors:

Finding Contractors

• Referrals: Ask local investors, agents, or property managers (especially in REI Facebook groups or BP forums).

• HomeAdvisor / Angi / Thumbtack: Good for finding reviewed contractors—still vet thoroughly.

• Visit Home Depot / Lowe’s early AM: Many active contractors grab supplies there and are open to side gigs.

Vetting Them

• Ask for photos of recent similar jobs

• Get at least 2–3 bids

• Check license, insurance, and references

Timing

• After inspection is better you’ll know what you’re definitely dealing with. But if time is tight, you can bring a contractor during inspection so they see it firsthand.

Lastly, never pay full upfront stick to milestones and signed agreements. Good luck on your first big reno!