All Forum Posts by: Akku Kumar

My property has been sitting on the market for a little bit (6838 Eastern Cottonwood Ln, Katy, TX 77493), so I am looking to try sending out mailers (see images) advertising a referral fee through the USPS Every Door Direct Mail service. Can anyone help with these questions to help me maximize my ROI:

- What locations should I target? Specifically, should I target neighborhoods similar to the one where my property is located (a new construction on the outskirts) or in more well-settled neighborhoods?

- What income range and age range should I target?

- Any advice on how to improve my mailers?

Thank you for the help! - Akku

 Thank you, Daniel! We are definitely considering virtually staging it if we don't get many leads.

Hi Lane,

Very valid advice! Will definitely look for the best possible tenant. Any tips on what to screen for specifically?

Best,

Akku

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the reply and advice! I like the idea of virtual staging—it seems like not many of the similar properties I mentioned are staging at all, so I think that could be a definite way to separate my photos from the others. Any advice on the best virtual staging software/websites?

In terms of finding a property that "works," I think you are absolutely right, there are probably better markets with more reliable cash flow. However, for this first property, I was mainly focused on a market I am relatively close to and knew well (Houston) and somewhere that the appreciation would probably make up for the cash flow in the long run. If leasing indeed becomes a major problem, I would consider selling—we'll just have to see what happens! But I like the idea of Rochester or another similar city for my next property.

Hello!

I'm a very new real estate investor and pretty new to BP as well (only my second post) so excuse me for any mistakes in my post. 

Last month, I pulled the trigger on getting my first real estate property ever and decided to go with a 4 bed, 2 bath new construction to limit all the variables involved since I am still in college. It is located in some of the newest developments on the north side of Katy, TX 77493 (I am not sure if I can post a link to the Zillow page or provide the address because I don't own it yet). I am set to close on it in about two weeks and am slightly nervous about finding a tenant in a good amount of time, given that there are a lot of similar new constructions in the same community that are up for rent but have been sitting on the market for 30-70+ days. 

So, I am asking for some advice on how to prepare a pricing and marketing plan to try and rent it as soon after closing as I can. Most 4/2 houses in the area are renting for approximately $2200 and offer washer, dryer, and internet (which I think the builder provided for all new houses in that community). I expect that my most likely tenants would be families that are new to the area and/or have moved for work. Some questions that I would greatly appreciate answered: 1. Besides Zillow and similar websites, where should I look for leads? 2. How should I stage it and should I get professional pics? 3. How can I separate my property from all the rest?

Even at $2200 I don't expect to get a positive cash flow for the first year, but that's okay as long as I rent it out and learn from my mistakes for my next investments. My main goal is to build good fundamental knowledge so any and all help is appreciated!

Thanks,

Akku

If there were a few places in Atlanta that would fit as a good place to get started into house hacking, where would that be? Looking for safe, growing areas that aren't too overpriced yet.

Thanks so much for all the help!

Thank you so much, Patrick! Two questions:
1. Would you mind explaining what house hacking is for you and your friend? I understand the basic concept but would love to hear your insight as well.

2. Would I be able to get in to contact with your co-worker? If he does kind of what I would like to do, would be a great first contact!

Hello!

My name is Akku. I am currently a student at Texas A&M University and I am very new to real estate investing. I want to buy my first property in the Atlanta metro as I plan on moving there for a PhD next year and am specifically looking at multifamily homes but I am having trouble finding good deals. I would appreciate any help with getting started!

Best,

Akku