All Forum Posts by: Karen Margrave

I'd say, stick with what you know! Land development can be simple, or one of the most complicated endeavors you can embark on. Things that used to be called "drainage" or "swamp land" now can be deemed homes to fairy shriimp, or listed as environmentally sensitive, and "wetlands". Rather than just the local building departments, you can get drawn into dealing with the Army Corp of Engineers, or the EPA, costing you valuable time and money.

When checking with the local departments, ask them about this stuff. They have (or at least in California we do) maps that show the environmentally sensitive areas. Unfortunately, nothing is the same as it used to be before, and land development is ground zero for the environmental movement.

Whatever you do, keep us posted!

http://www.biggerpockets.com/groups/354

If anyone knows the link to the group page, please let me know. I do my own website (with a template) but can't figure out the webaddress for the group page! HELP!!

Everyone that posted, I hope you'll join. We're new to southern California, having relocated from Shasta County, and always like hearing from locals that know the areas, as well as hearing from new people from other places!

As for us, you can check out our website. We are contractors/brokers/investors, and are always happy to cooperate with other agents, investors, offer any advice where we can, etc. The purpose of the site is to help ALL of us build a network that will be beneficial for everyone.

We've been doing real estate development for close to 30 years, and love the game! What do each of you do? Please... take it to the group site so we can get a dialog going there!

I started a group "Orange County California Real Estate" and would like to put a link on the forum post I did announcing the group. How do I find a link? I tried copying the address when I was on the page, then tried pasting it in browser, but it didn't take me to page. I tried copying the HTML code that's provided for websites, no luck. I tried clicking on "Invite friends" but got an error message.. so how do I get the link to share?

Hi, I just started a new group for Orange County CA Real Estate, and wanted to invite you to stop by and check it out.

Orange County, CA is one of the most affluent areas in the country, with some of the most highly valued real estate anywhere. Driving the values are the areas offerings, such as world class universities and medical centers, it's home to many of the Fortune 500 companies; and many centimillionaires and billionaires call it home. In addition there's recreational, amusement, sports and musical venues, entertainment, zoos, gofl, boating, anything you can imagine, is here!

The weather is perfect year round, and there's miles of beautiful coastline that offers beautiful views and sunsets.

All of these things help add to the reasons why investors, and visitors from around the globe come to Orange County and invest their money, or to spend time with their families.

From the most luxurious mansions, to simple cottages, multi family dwellings, and office buildings. Whatever your real estate investment interest, it's here in Orange County.

Please visit our new group, and post any of your needs, haves, questions, stories etc. there. Introduce yourself, and become a part of the OC Group!

Richard - What an inspiration you are! I sent a link to this thread to my college aged grandson to inspire him. You sound very level headed and determined, I'm sure you're going to do great. Go to the website www.homepath.com , they are foreclosed houses, many with renovation financing possible. Also, check with your city to see if they have any down payment assistance for first time buyers. Please keep us posted!

Jason: The questions are, What is the market like in the city where you live? What are the rental vacancy rates? Is there an abundance of vacant foreclosed homes, homes for sale, etc.? What about multi family, are there alot of units vacant, or for sale on the market? What are the rents on SFR, townhomes, apartments, etc. ? Will income be enough to cover your debt service? Will property need work, and if so, who will do it and how much will it cost? Do your homework and find those things out before you do anything.

Every location is different. Get to KNOW your market. In construction we have a saying "measure twice, cut once" Do the same with investing, measure up all the facts, before investing. Look at all the pros and cons, and get your ducks in a row, then invest.

Finding a mentor is a GREAT idea, just make sure they have a good track record. Good luck!

Peter, You asked for advice, and received great advice. However; the part where you jump to buying property in Memphis, where did that come from? Just because you can buy something for less money somewhere else, doesn't make it cheaper to own. Unless you know a market, stay out of it. I'd say, go back to the detailed advice others have laid out for you and get on that track, before you lose your hard earned money! Good luck.

Jake, just out of curiosity, I see you're an agent, are you looking for a property manager for one of your clients? Also, if you or anyone have need of any type of home services in Orange County (construction, repairs, rehab, etc.) we service Orange County. [url]www.thebrokersconcierge.com I am considering adding property management too.