All Forum Posts by: Amy Zhang

@Amy Zhang welcome to RE investing! I am an investor from NY that invests in Ft Wayne, and the REIA group that @Simeon Miller mentioned and @Drew Wiard manages has been a big help and great resource.  If you are looking for surrounding area as well, try huntington.  there are a lot more MFH in that area (although most of them are in not so great shape so it requires some work).  I can refer you to an agent I use if you are interested and want to PM me. 

@Amy Zhang Hi, Amy! My wife, Christine, and I are brand new REI in Fort Wayne. We live in Southwood Park, and are interested in multi-family as well.

I am planning on being at the REIA meeting in June (third Saturday of each month). It will be my first meeting.

We would love to connect with you.

Hey Amy,

Have you connected with the Fort Wayne RIEA group? I would start with their Facebook group. Just search for them on FB and you should find them.

I invest in the Fort Wayne area, and I use Vicki Roy with KW as my realtor and property manager. She is also part of BP and REIA. DM me and I'll get you her phone number.

@Amy Zhang I would agree with @Russell Brazil about investing in Baltimore City from out-of-state. It is possible to succeed, but not likely.  Unless you have a partner on the ground, stay away. Too many things can go wrong. Your management has to be perfect to succeed there. A high water bill or vandalism can crush you.

In addition to the others mentioned above, Baltimore County is a good option. Baltimore County surrounds Baltimore City and includes many working-class neighborhoods. Strong employment, steady population numbers. Lower property taxes, better tenants, and less crime. And easier to BRRRR. The price:rent ratios are still attractive.

Why are you unwilling to allow your tenants control of the thermostat? If you want to keep costs down, simply make them responsible for the utility bill. You receive the bill, you split it in half, you charge them for it. If they squander heat, it's their dime. It is a small hassle but literally takes about five minutes of your time once a month. Don't make things more complicated than they need to be.

I use the Ecobee3 in my vacation rental and love it. My vacation rental is 30 minutes away and somewhat remote so it's not checked regularly in the winter. It's nice to be alerted if temperature or humidity exceeds the limits. When tenants vacate, I can adjust the thermostat up/down for vacancy and reduce utility use.

@Amy Zhang I would not invest anywhere as an out-state investor without someone guiding me closely, via fellow investor or real estate agent. In my opinion, if you are looking for a market to buy and hold real estate in Maryland, The best markets for cashflow are Baltimore city and Hagerstown. There is a high demand for rentals and price per unit is low compared to other areas of the state. 

I have a few properties throughout Hagerstown. I can certainly tell you that there are opportunities in the market. As always, you must have a competent property management company or have systems in place if you want to self manage.

If you have any questions in the Hagerstown market, feel free to reach out.