All Forum Posts by: Cheryl P.

Hi,

@Theresa Colbert While I am learning that nothing beats actually going to your area of interest to check it and get a real feel for it, I understand that is not always possible.  

Most of my research takes place late at night after I get off work, I like to use a mix of different sites to get a conscience of opinions on an area, popular types of properties, average costs, amenities, etc.  

Below is my laundry list of sites that I like, there are tons others (I promise to stop posting this giant lists):

http://www.neighborhoodscout.com

http://www.areavibes.com

http://publicrecords.netronline.com

http://www.best-cities.org

http://www.bestplaces.net

http://www.housingpredictor.com

http://www.schooldigger.com

http://www.greatschools.org

http://www.homefair.com/real-estate/school-reports...

http://www.familywatchdog.us

http://www.meganslaw.com

http://www.spotcrime.com

http://www.usacops.com

http://www.google.com/earth/

http://ecodevdirectory.com

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD

http://factfinder.census.gov/legacy/aff_sunset.htm...

https://www.findtheseller.com

https://www.rentometer.com

http://www.rent.com

http://www.rentals.com

https://hotpads.com

https://www.redfin.com  

http://www.realtor.com

http://www.treasury.gov/services/Pages/auctions_in...

http://www.auction.com

https://www.socialserve.com

http://www.gosection8.com

http://www.1031gateway.com/1031-exchange-property/

http://www.owners.com

http://gotofsbo.com

http://www.forsalebyowner.com

Ok this should keep you busy for a couple minutes.  Good luck and I look forward to sharing information.

Cheryl

@Kevin Harrison Welcome to BP.  I am retire military living in NOVA also, look forward to exchanging ideas.

Cheryl

@Gabe S. I am also looking for a contractor in Indy, I'll share if I find one.  

Thanks,

Cheryl

@Account Closed welcome to BP neighbor, I am in start-up phase as well.  I have attended www.tractionREIA.com in the past, while they do have up sale pitches, if you have self-control you can meet a lot of local investors without emptying your pockets.  

Wishing you the best of luck and look forward to exchanging ideas.

Cheryl

@Iyabode Azeez welcome, I too am slowly but surely trying to overcome my fear and analysis paralysis.  Agree with @Michael S. that knowledge is power and it will help to build your confidence the more you read and absorb the material on this site.

Check out all the podcasts, I listen to them in my car during my daily commute.  It will help you start to figure out what area of real estate investing will be a good fit for you, it may or may not be wholesaling.

I am trying to take my own advice and will be launching my first marketing campaign soon.  

Good luck and keep studying & asking questions... 

Cheryl

Here are some other resources for researching markets:

http://www.neighborhoodscout.com

http://www.spotcrime.com

https://www.crimereports.com

http://publicrecords.netronline.com

http://www.housingpredictor.com

http://www.areavibes.com

http://www.bestplaces.net

http://www.usacops.com

http://www.familywatchdog.us

http://www.meganslaw.com

http://www.best-cities.org

http://www.schooldigger.com

http://www.schooldigger.com

http://www.greatschools.org

There are lots of other sites, check out spot crime, you will be surprised how many crimes happen in the so called "good neighborhoods" , the cost of the property is not a true indicator of crime.  

We only hear about crime in the lower income neighborhoods, lots of law abiding citizens live in older established low income areas who get wrapped up in the 5 minute news segments.  

Cheryl

Hi @Chris Seveney welcome, I have been lurking on BP for a while and I am in the process of changing my model from solely NOVA to adding Indianapolis IN area.  

But I'd be interested to know what local VA contractors you have worked with.

If you haven't already you should check out a local REIA. I go to http://tractionrealestatementors.com/home meetings in Tyson's.  While they do have speakers trying to do up sales if you have self-control you can get thru it without purchasing anything and still get some good information and meet other investors. 

Good luck.

Cheryl

@Matthew Schroeder I agree you really have to look neighborhood by neighborhood, subdivision by subdivision in all Cities/States.  Because the difference in safety & price can be very dramatic within just a few miles range.  

I live in Lorton VA a very pricey suburb of DC Metro area. I was born in Indianapolis and have lots of family there, so I am modifying my business plan to include out-of-state investing in Indianapolis. The 46218 area code has highly distressed/low priced properties but you really have to study which neighborhoods are established low-middle income blue collar and which are serious war zone.

Ok, now that I figured out how the @member name feature works, I say again@Jimmy Nguyen I would be grateful for your contractor referral.

Thanks,
 

@jimmy Nguyen absolutely interested in getting your contractor referral.  I'll IM you.  Thanks