All Forum Posts by: Benjamin A Ersing

Has anyone relied on market research provided by Global Property Guide to acquire a property? How was your experience? Did you find the information to be reliable?

Beginning to explore how to manage STRs in numerous geographies outside the U.S., curious what people's experiences have been? 

How does STR property management in Latin America differ from the U.S.? the Middle East? Asia? Africa?

What does a "foreigner" need to be aware of when attempting to profitably manage STRs outside the U.S.?

Yes, and I wouldn't put it all in REI. Get someone to advise you on how to diversify properly.

Sounds like its going to be a fun ride! Enjoy it - and the process. You're wise to recognize that it likely won't last forever. 

Just shooting in the dark here...but like @Isaac S I am also curious. You a technical founder of a recently VC-backed startup? Blockchain or a similarly speculative early-stage tech perhaps?

Ben - it goes without saying that you know your situation the best. But based on what you've disclosed I imagine a significant percentage of your annual income this year, and in the future, will likely be tied up in stock options and grants. If that is the case, then it could change your REI approach since much of your 'day-job income' will be tied-up in long term, illiquid paper assets. Not hard cash which can be quickly invested into REI.

Not sure if lenders will allow you to use options to underwrite REI deals, but it'd be something to look into.

Check out Angel.co as well if you want access to early-stage deals. I invest there through a number of syndicates. Some are better than others; the good ones have pretty solid deal flow. Many private wealth managers also offer their clientele access to early-stage direct equity investment opportunities. Could be worth asking about it with whomever you decide to go with.

@Ben Ryder I agree with Julie. Take it slowly, find and build a team you can trust to help source, finance and manage deals and take it one step at a time. Ideally find a likeminded peer

or two who has a few more years of experience in REI, and who is also juggling a very demanding day job. Someone who can go the journey with you, and isn't looking to be a service provider of any kind to you.

If you want to scale your portfolio and build a business around it to generate long term passive income, it’ll take time. There’s no way around it.

Also, I’d avoid jumping right into higher value properties just because you can afford to. It might be tempting because the potential returns are higher, but it’s also much more complex with greater potential downside.

This probably goes without saying, but be careful about how quickly you try to build if only because of how much it will extend you. It will take a while until your REI income surpasses your day job's. And your portfolio's future growth depends on you keeping that day job.

Be patient. Take it slowly. Make small bets while you test, learn and adapt your preferred strategy.

It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Despite what some of the “rags to riches” stories like to sell.

@Steven Wilson short answer: there’s lots to consider but I agree, it’s an interesting market. Key is to find a reliable local partner.

p.s. - Go Buckeyes

@Bob Ayre welcome! Would love to learn more about the projects you’re working on.

@Shane Rodger I’d love to learn more about what y’all are investing in. I’ve spent a decent amount of time in SA and am actively evaluating real estate options. Feel free to DM me if interested in chatting.