All Forum Posts by: Ben Ratner

Thank you for the contribution! I have been in communication with many lenders. I currently am a buy and hold investor but looking for into flipping as well as larger commercial spaces.

I am in the Chicagoland area but I am working on expanding my knowledge in outside markets as well. 

Investment Info:

Condo buy & hold investment.

Purchase price: $165,000
Cash invested: $42,000

Purchased the property with 25% down to expand my investment portfolio. I was able to find this off market to secure a better price before additional realtor fees, closing expenses, and competition.

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

Easy transaction and I knew exactly what to expect.

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

I found off-market through a neighbor. I showed them the comparable properties and explained how not listing saves fees, time, energy, and I bought as-is with no inspection since I knew almost everything about it.

How did you finance this deal?

25% conventional financing

What was the outcome?

I have gained equity and been able to rent for monthly cash flow

Lessons learned? Challenges?

Trying to negotiate a better price from the beginning. I do not want to take advantage of people but also trying to find the balance of what is best for me.

I currently am located in the Chicagoland area and I am wanting to invest 2+ hours away from my location and am interested in short term rentals and out of state investing. I would love to connect with anyone willing to share some knowledge or how they were able to overcome the fear of being long distance and making such an investment.

Hello, I am a born and raised in the Chicagoland area and I just relocated back after some time abroad. I have been working in real estate since 2017 but I am looking to learn more from other investors about how I can turn real estate investing into my full time job anywhere in the world. If there is anything I can contribute or offer in exchange for some knowledge I am more than happy to chat and meet!

Thank you and best of luck with your real estate goals!

Investment Info:

Condo buy & hold investment.

Purchase price: $135,000
Cash invested: $8,500

I purchased this condo as a property for myself to live-in short term but to rent long term. This allowed me to utilize a low down-payment loan and build my investment portfolio.

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

I needed a place to live and wanted to build long-term wealth even though I only needed a short term living solution.

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

I found it in the MLS and negotiated it myself as I am a realtor in the area.

How did you finance this deal?

Conventional 5% down

How did you add value to the deal?

Being flexible on closing and buying as-is

What was the outcome?

Purchased successfully

Lessons learned? Challenges?

I would collect a higher rent from the start. I was nervous about pricing too high and it back fired a bit.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I am the realtor that worked however I have a lender, inspector, and contractor that I could recommend.