All Forum Posts by: Alyson Anderson

Quote from @Ryan Rominger:

Caution is key in this rate environment. We’re seeing solid returns on multifamily buy-and-holds, especially with value-add opportunities that improve cash flow over time. Flips are still profitable but require tighter underwriting to ensure margins hold up. As for STRs, we’re also leaning into mid-term rentals in certain areas—demand is strong, and avoiding regulatory hurdles is a huge plus.

Spot on—leveraging financing is key. In this market, multifamily buy-and-holds with value-add potential are solid plays for long-term cash flow, while flips require tighter margins to stay profitable. Mid-term rentals are also proving strong in areas with short-term rental restrictions.

What specific strategies are you using to mitigate interest rate risks right now? Always open to comparing notes.

I’ve been diving deep into marketing strategies that go beyond just lead generation and cold outreach. One approach that’s been gaining traction (and delivering results) is community building. Instead of chasing clients, the idea is to create a strong local presence where people come to you.

Some effective ways to do this:

✅ Hosting Local Events – Homebuyer workshops, investor meetups, neighborhood cleanups, or small business networking events.

✅ Creating Online Communities – Running Facebook groups, Discord servers, or WhatsApp chats focused on local real estate trends.

✅ Partnering with Local Businesses – Co-branding with coffee shops, gyms, or restaurants to cross-promote.

✅ Providing Real Value – Educational content, market updates, or a newsletter featuring local businesses and real estate insights.

Have you used community-driven marketing in your real estate business? What’s worked for you, and what challenges have you faced?

Quote from @Joel Bongco:

@Alyson Anderson - I agree! It has been a game changer. My cohorts largely leverage the pond by state. We have a large group and we don't want to be chasing after the same leads and calling/texting/emailing spamming the homeowner. Thus, we keep the leads in the pond so that our team can see all the leads and who is working on it. The ponds are constantly being filled with new leads on a first come, first served perspective and you can run filters based on your search type. We've also integrated it with Deal Machine for D4D purposes. I do agree that it is designed for Real Estate Brokerages, however, it works for REI teams as well. No, you are not drinking the Kool-Aid. You can't beat the simplicity of it in comparison with other CRMs. I'd love to see your configuration - I can show you my config as well! Mahalo, Joel

The pond system sounds like a solid way to keep things organized and avoid stepping on each other's toes. I haven't used Deal Machine alongside FollowUpBoss, but now you’ve got me curious—how has that integration worked for you?

Quote from @Gregory Schwartz:

Quote from @Alyson Anderson:

I don’t usually rave about software, but after two years with FollowUpBoss, I feel like I need to share my experience, the good, the bad, and the unexpected.

When I first started using it, it was just me juggling leads, follow-ups, and trying to keep track of conversations without dropping the ball. It felt like I was always a step behind, forgetting to follow up, losing track of who I spoke to, and scrambling to stay organized.

Then I found FollowUpBoss. At first, it took me a while to really use it the right way (because let’s be real, CRMs can be overwhelming), but once I got the hang of it, everything clicked. Fast forward two years, and now my whole team is using it, and I honestly don’t know how we managed before.

What’s still frustrating: There’s a learning curve. If you don’t set it up right from the start, it can feel like just another tool you’re paying for. Once it’s dialed in, though, it’s a game-changer.

I didn’t expect to rely on it this much, but now I can’t imagine running my business without it. If you’ve used it, I’d love to hear your take—do you feel the same, or am I just drinking the Kool-Aid?

 Do you have any experience with other software? Going from no system to any system is a game changer. I'm using my broker's software and its has been great for my business, and it's free to use! However, I've been wondering if a more robust CRM is worth it. 

I hear you on that—any system is better than no system, but the level of automation and visibility FUB gives me has been a game-changer. I’ve used a few other CRMs before, but most felt either too clunky or not tailored enough for real estate. If your broker’s system is working well for you, that’s huge. But if you ever feel like you're outgrowing it, FUB is worth a look. Do you feel like there’s anything missing from your current setup?

I don’t usually rave about software, but after two years with FollowUpBoss, I feel like I need to share my experience, the good, the bad, and the unexpected.

When I first started using it, it was just me juggling leads, follow-ups, and trying to keep track of conversations without dropping the ball. It felt like I was always a step behind, forgetting to follow up, losing track of who I spoke to, and scrambling to stay organized.

Then I found FollowUpBoss. At first, it took me a while to really use it the right way (because let’s be real, CRMs can be overwhelming), but once I got the hang of it, everything clicked. Fast forward two years, and now my whole team is using it, and I honestly don’t know how we managed before.

What’s still frustrating: There’s a learning curve. If you don’t set it up right from the start, it can feel like just another tool you’re paying for. Once it’s dialed in, though, it’s a game-changer.

I didn’t expect to rely on it this much, but now I can’t imagine running my business without it. If you’ve used it, I’d love to hear your take—do you feel the same, or am I just drinking the Kool-Aid?

Quote from @Ryan Rominger:

Leveraging $100K into multiple deals with financing maximizes returns. A small multifamily offers cash flow and appreciation, while flips provide quicker but riskier gains. Short-term rentals can work but check regulations. Partnering can also help scale. Happy to discuss strategies!

100% agree—leveraging financing is key. I’ve used private money and seller financing to stretch my capital across multiple flips, but with rates where they are now, I’m extra cautious about deal margins. Are you seeing better returns with multifamily buy-and-holds or flips in your market? Also, with short-term rentals, I’ve shifted toward mid-term rentals in some areas to avoid regulatory headaches. Curious if you’re doing anything similar

Quote from @Frankie Paterno:

Im sitting on 3-500k just for real estate and Im still stuck, I just partnered with a builder to let my money work 300k for 1 1/2 years for 75k return 

That’s an interesting move! A 75K return on 300K in 1.5 years is definitely solid—curious, do you have an equity stake in the project, or is it a fixed return? Also, how did you vet the builder? I know partnerships can be amazing when done right, but they can also be tricky if expectations aren’t aligned. Would love to hear more about how you structured it!

Let’s talk strategy.

You have $100,000 in cash, strictly for real estate investing. No stocks, no personal expenses—just real estate.

Given today’s market conditions, what’s the best move?

• Use it as a down payment on a multifamily property?
• Leverage it into multiple deals with creative financing?
• Buy and flip undervalued properties?
• Invest in short-term rentals in high-demand areas?
• Partner with others to scale faster?

Experienced investors know there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right move depends on market trends, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.

How would you deploy the capital?

Investment Info:

Large multi-family (5+ units) buy & hold investment.

Purchase price: $610,000
Cash invested: $50,000

I bought it off-market in 2023, thinking it was a steal. But boy, was I in for a surprise. Angry tenants, neglected by the previous owner, greeted me. It was a mess. I had to reassure them, smooth things over, and learn on the fly. Eventually, I brought in pros to help. Together, we fixed issues and turned things around. Now, Plymouth Rd is a success story, teaching me that with perseverance, anything's possible.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

It was the challenge and potential. Sure, 639 Plymouth Rd had its issues – angry tenants, neglected maintenance – but beneath that, I saw opportunity. I love projects where I can make a real difference, and this was it. Despite the hurdles, I thrive on challenges. Turning a rundown property into a profitable investment? That's what gets me going. And diving into Plymouth Rd? One of the best decisions I ever made.

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

I stumbled upon this deal thanks to a friend in real estate who gave me the heads up about this off-market gem. Negotiating wasn't smooth sailing, though. The owner had a price, but I knew there were issues. We had to chat back and forth until we found a price that worked for both of us. It was all about finding that sweet spot where we both felt like we came out on top.

How did you finance this deal?

I financed this deal through a hard money lender. They were willing to front the cash quickly, which was crucial for sealing the deal. It was a lifesaver, honestly.

How did you add value to the deal?

I added value to the deal by rolling up my sleeves and diving into the nitty-gritty. I tackled the tenant issues head-on, sorted out maintenance problems, and spruced up the property to make it more attractive. It was hands-on work, but it paid off big time.

What was the outcome?

Turns out, all the sweat and hustle paid off. With the tenant issues sorted and the property looking sharp, I attracted new tenants and boosted the property's value. It was a sweet victory, let me tell you.

Lessons learned? Challenges?

I learned the importance of being hands-on and proactive, especially when dealing with tenant issues. Challenges? Let's just say tackling those problems head-on was no walk in the park, but it was worth it in the end.

Investment Info:

Large multi-family (5+ units) buy & hold investment.

Purchase price: $610,000
Cash invested: $50,000

So, let me tell you about this wild ride I embarked on with 639 Plymouth Rd. It's not your typical investment story, let me warn you. This 4,617 square foot beauty, sitting snug on a 0.26-acre lot with 6 bathrooms, seemed like a promising catch when I snagged it off-market back in September 2023 for $610,000. Little did I know, it came with a side of tenant drama that would test my limits.

Picture this: I step into my new property, all pumped up and ready to take charge. But instead of a warm welcome, I'm greeted by a bunch of angry tenants, fuming over the mess left behind by the previous management. Talk about a buzzkill!

Now, I'm no stranger to dealing with tenants, but this was on a whole other level. These folks had been through the wringer, mistreated and neglected by the previous owners. And here I am, trying to convince them that I'm not cut from the same cloth.

It was challenging, to say the least. I had to do some serious damage control, smoothing things over and assuring them that I had their backs. We had heart-to-heart chats, I listened to their grievances, and boy, did I learn a lot.

But let me tell you, it was overwhelming. I thought I had it all figured out with my other 12 rental units, but 639 Plymouth Rd threw me for a loop. There were so many issues to tackle, I felt like I was drowning in a sea of problems.

Eventually, I had to swallow my pride and admit that I needed help. So, I brought in a top-notch property management team to save the day. And you know what? It was the best decision I ever made.

With their expertise and my determination, we tackled those issues head-on. From fixing up neglected maintenance to improving communication with the tenants, we turned things around one step at a time. And let me tell you, seeing that transformation unfold was nothing short of magical.

Today, 639 Plymouth Rd is a shining example of resilience and triumph. Sure, it was a rocky road getting here, but every challenge we faced only made the victory sweeter. So, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, just remember: with a little grit and a lot of perseverance, anything is possible.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

It was the challenge and potential. Sure, 639 Plymouth Rd had its issues – angry tenants, neglected maintenance – but beneath that, I saw opportunity. I love projects where I can make a real difference, and this was it. Despite the hurdles, I thrive on challenges. Turning a rundown property into a profitable investment? That's what gets me going. And diving into Plymouth Rd? One of the best decisions I ever made.

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

I stumbled upon this deal thanks to a friend in real estate who gave me the heads up about this off-market gem. Negotiating wasn't smooth sailing, though. The owner had a price, but I knew there were issues. We had to chat back and forth until we found a price that worked for both of us. It was all about finding that sweet spot where we both felt like we came out on top.

How did you finance this deal?

I financed this deal through a hard money lender. They were willing to front the cash quickly, which was crucial for sealing the deal. It was a lifesaver, honestly.

How did you add value to the deal?

I added value to the deal by rolling up my sleeves and diving into the nitty-gritty. I tackled the tenant issues head-on, sorted out maintenance problems, and spruced up the property to make it more attractive. It was hands-on work, but it paid off big time.

What was the outcome?

Turns out, all the sweat and hustle paid off. With the tenant issues sorted and the property looking sharp, I attracted new tenants and boosted the property's value. It was a sweet victory, let me tell you.

Lessons learned? Challenges?

I learned the importance of being hands-on and proactive, especially when dealing with tenant issues. Challenges? Let's just say tackling those problems head-on was no walk in the park, but it was worth it in the end.