All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

Chris, I appreciate your positive stance! I agree with you, anything is possible. It will take very hard work to make the project happen, but I am ready for it! Thanks for your support!

Hi Nathan! Yes, I agree that it would be extremely easy for someone to log onto this site and claim to have everything mapped out! In no way, shape, or form did I intend to give that message off from my post, and I am sorry if that is how you felt when reading it. In my introduction post, I wanted all the readers to understand I am a total beginner, so I made sure to include the statement - "I have no experience in real estate, development, or investing, and I will be the first to admit that I know nothing about the business world". 

I am here to learn and connect with others, mainly due to my inexperience in the field. I am very eager to learn, and I completely realize that my plans sound crazy! I am going to try my absolute best to create the project that "99% of the commercial developers in this country wouldn't try". Maybe it will take me longer, maybe it will cost me more, maybe the project won't be profitable, maybe I will mess up 100 times. Regardless, I am determined, and I will make it happen. I will definitely consider all of the questions you asked me, and I do find value in your response. In my eyes, nothing about my proposed project is considered to be "normal", and it will definitely require a like-minded individual to see it from my perspective. 

The $450k/month revenue projection I stated is solely an estimate made by me. To you, and maybe to others, that number may be unrealistic, and I accept that. If you would like to consider my plans a "pipe dream" that is totally OK with me. I know I am only 22 and don't know much, but I was under the impression that the term "revenue" was the income generated before any costs or expenses are deducted. When your 48 year old self asks me if I have really done the math, I can say yes I have. I was very clear to say "revenue" rather than "profit". I am completely aware than many deductions will be made to that number. I will gladly share my ideas and plans with you in greater detail, as long as you have the intention of helping me, and giving constructive advice. From your reply, I think you have negative intentions rather than positive ones. Thank you for your concerns though. 

Thank you Kyle! When it comes to designing the complex, I personally designed an initial base drawing. This drawing was mainly to transfer my vision from my mind, onto paper, so I could better describe my idea to friends and family. I have a general understanding of construction, but no where close to a professional level. During the past couple months, I have taken a few additional steps with my drawing. I created a scale sized model to give a better visual (found that generic Jenga blocks are very close to scale shipping container dimensions). I have also shared my design idea with freelance architects, one of which has created a 3D exterior building drawing for me. This has allowed me to bring my idea "to life" by seeing a fully rendered representation of the idea that was in my head. I am currently at this point and trying to figure out my next step.

For building the container complex, I am considering two choices. Option one would be hiring a referred contractor that has experience in building with containers. Option two is building the complex with my team of 7 people with consultation, 3 of which were laborers for a local construction company. I just purchased 2 containers and I am hoping they will be delivered within the week. I am planning on creating somewhat of a prototype with the containers, getting the hands on experience, learning by trial and error, and figuring out all the necessary materials. At this point I will have a better understanding on choosing option one or option two. 

I am looking to raise money from private investors and experiment with a short crowdfunding run. I have no experience in either, but am trying to learn as fast as I can. I am open to any suggestions or advice. 

My exit strategy is to hold and collect cash flow. Keeping my first property will hopefully allow me to better fund my future projects by not giving away as much equity during funding. 

My name is Andrew VanCura. I am a recent college graduate from Illinois. I am 22 years old and ready to create the vision that I have dreamed about for years; a shipping container apartment building. I have done years of research and planning while still attending school, and now that I am out, it's go time. I have no experience in real estate, development, or investing, and I will be the first to admit that I know nothing about the business world. What I do know is that I am putting 100% into making my visions true, and no matter what it takes, that shipping container complex will be standing and operating within 3 years. I realize I will need a lot of help during my journey, and I am hoping that I can connect with others that can provide me insight and advice from their past experiences. I will explain a little about my plans below, and I am always willing to talk more in-depth to anyone interested. Prepare yourself......

This shipping container complex will be comprised of 500 shipping containers, having 310 living areas total. 300 units will be single studio apartments, 50 units will create a total of 10 suite-style apartments, 50 units will create office space, a restaurant, a gym, a small shop, and a salon. The last 100 units will be used as hallways and utility space. Every living space will come furnished. The complex will be located within 50 miles from Los Angeles. The 310 apartments/suites alone is expected to generate $450,000/month revenue.

I want the image of this shipping container complex to be looked at as an affordable living space, but one that also has luxurious amenities included in the average rent price. The biggest focus of the amenities will be the outdoor pool and property. I envision the outdoor pool and property to look similar to a Las Vegas resorts. Big, open, lively, and beautiful to look at. Rent, all utilities, internet, parking, and all "fees" will be combined into one monthly payment for residents to make, with simplicity in mind. Every morning and night, a shuttle service will be running to and from Los Angeles to transport residents, for free.

Very big ideas, I know. Behind my crazy/optimistic mind, I also have the ability to think realistically. All of my ideas and plans have reasoning and financial projections behind them. My vision to create this shipping container complex will be incredibly difficult, will be very profitable, and will absolutely happen.

You know that one guy that is known as crazy, that is always is acting impulsively, is always cutting corners, but somehow always ends up on top? Well that's me. And by the way...... He's not acting impulsively, he made a plan and is acting promptly. He's not cutting corners, he just took a more risky approach. Ending up on top? That part is true.

Thanks for reading my introduction!