All Forum Posts by: Ben Callahan

@Jake Andronico Haha, yes, definitely not trying to do that! Thanks!

@Ken M. Thanks, Ken! I haven't dug into the actual agreement, but was curious because I'm not in a position to house hack, but see many people on here recommend the strategy. Wondered if you used the unit for storage or something like that, if it would qualify. Looks like the answer is no. Thanks for the info!

Hey all. Just curious, could someone purchase, say a triplex, using a FHA loan, rent out two of the three units, retaining the third unit for yourself, but not actually live in it? Is that acceptable from the FHA perspective or do they want you to actually physically live in one of the units for the year?

@Chris Clothier Thanks so much for the thoughtful response and great advice. I actually live in San Diego and work in the La Jolla/UTC area. Small world. This forum/site seems to be a wonderful resource for people looking to begin their real estate journey. I'm excited to learn more and get started. I'm working with about $100k and hoping to get the most/best value out of that. Also really interested in loan paydown strategies. 

@Rick Albert Thanks, Rick. Appreciate your thoughts and words of warning. Unfortunately I don't think house hacking is doable for me. I'm in a high cost of living area and can't afford to buy anything here. Also, I have a young family and would prefer to live in a SFR. Any markets that you like in particular?

@Sadler Surratt

Still exploring options. Haven't looked into the ones you've listed but considered Tennessee generally. Though I'm in sure what the trends have been in TN over the last couple years. I know it was really hot when the remote work model was more widely adopted.

@Sadler Surratt Thanks for the advice! Currently thinking long-term rentals. Definitely would like a mix of cash flow and appreciation. Not sure how doable that is with today's interest rates.

Hey everyone! Nice to meet you (electronically).

Currently renting a single-family home in a very expensive coastal Southern California city. Not able to buy in this area without going house poor. Not able to move (at least for a while) due to my job.

Looking to use savings that would’ve been for a primary residence down payment to invest in rental property out of state.

Would love to make connections, hear thoughts on good markets to look into, strategies to maximize return, etc. 

Happy to answer any questions and excited to chat with you all!