All Forum Posts by: Rosalina Brenda Berk

@Scott K. @Jeff Rabinowitz @David Roberts @Engelo Rumora @Theodore B. @Al 

@Alvin Neal 

Thanks for *all* the feedback! You guys sure know how to make a thread interesting, to say the least. I'm holding off on any investments right now. I'm down to $2,000 in savings and I gotta work on building it up again. 

Enjoy the rest of your day! 

@Dawn Brenengen  I'll PM you with details.

@Nicole A. Thanks for sharing, lady. Hope all goes smoothly for you, too. The holidays can be hectic, but lively and fun. Have a great time! 

It's refreshing to hear that you're able to differentiate the serious problems from the minor ones and that you're responsive. As someone who plans on having tenants in the future, it's nice to hear that you're able to balance things out during this time of year. 

Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year!

@Dawn Brenengen Yeah, I bet traditional buys and sells are slower, but at least you get to catch up with all your admin stuff. I started using a CRM (Contactually) a couple months ago and I love it! For someone as forgetful as me, it's been really helpful. 

That's awesome your mom is nearby and that you'll be surrounded by good vibes ; ). Hope it all goes smoothly and that you get some free time for yourself. 

Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year! 

@Dawn Brenengen Thanks, lady! We will. Any big plans for you? I see you are an agent. How's business this time of year?

@Trevor Ewen I know what you mean. I feel like real estate in general is one of those industries that gets a bad wrap, although there are plenty of examples to around. 

That being said, I think it's really important for us all to proudly share what we "do". Only then can stigmas be lifted. I'm glad to hear that you are sharing your goals with friends/family. I'm sure your are leading by example in that you get stuff done! 

Hope you enjoy your stay with your parents in Virginia!

Hello!

With the holidays right around the corner, I was curious what your plans are? Flying across country? Staying local? Big gatherings? Or intimate get togethers?

I'm flying to Virginia Beach, VA on the 25th to visit with hubby's family, then down to Durham and Raleigh, NC to see his grandparents. Excited to visit Raleigh for the first time.

I'm also wondering how you balance your real estate investing goals and personal time with family and friends. Do you put off all work related matters until vacation is over? Do you work for a few hours everyday, regardless of what holiday it is? What has worked for you in the past? 

Hope this finds you well!

-Brenda 

I definitely agree with @James Stevens. I personally wouldn't go forward on a deal that didn't cash flow from the get go, regardless if it's a SFH or a multi.

As far as looking for a deal where rent is highest, I think it all depends on your market. I'm in Los Angeles with rent being high AND home prices skyrocketing. 

In case you haven't read this blog post already, it hits on two things you mentioned in your initial inquiry: working with agents and cash flow (the video on the 50% rule on cash flow). 

http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/08/24...

I'm getting my license in a couple of months and my focus is investor's. From my perspective, I need to be savvy with numbers and deal analysis, know the market, and fully understand what my investor's goals are. Without the RE agent knowing what the investor's bottom line is, there can be a lot of wasted time and frustrated feeling.

Hope this helps! Let us know how it goes.

@Joshua Durrin You've definitely helped. Just sharing your story, I think, helps others in the sense that they don't feel alone in being a "newbie". 

That Chad Carson blog post was EPIC! Part 2 (steps 4-7) has been up since last month. http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/11/05/quit-job-invest-real-estate-full-time-final-steps/

I've read this thing twice now and I feel like I have to go back a third time. Not because it doesn't make sense, but because it's so freaking comprehensive! I love it. The Chad Carson podcast episode has been my favorite so far. 

@Joshua Durrin  Welcome and congratulations on completing your business plan! It's very important to be clear and focused, and it sounds like you're both. If you don't mind sharing, what are your short-term goals? 

I'm a "newbie" as well. I'll be a licensed real estate agent in a few months and after years of "fence riding" I decided that, for me, getting a license was a solid route.

Here's wishing you the best. Every action taken gets you one step closer. When you win, we all win.