All Forum Posts by: Joshua Clark

If you haven't already tried, I would probably start by calling the Corpus Christi Housing & Community Development office at 361-826-3010.  They may have the answers you are looking for, or at least have a better idea of where to look.

I hope this helps!

One thing I have learned from the people on BiggerPockets is that if you have found a great deal, the money will come.  Don't be afraid to seek out other investors if you have a great deal, especially if those investors are in your area.  You can split the deal with them if they finance it at whatever split is mutually equitable (50/50, 60/40, 80/20).  You could be willing to take the smaller cut depending on what type of other value you bring to the equation.  You'll make a little money on the deal, get advice and guidance from a seasoned investor, and then use that money to fund your next deal.  You will also start to build your reputation as an investor this way.

Asking your family to invest isn't a bad idea either.  Just make sure you let them know you are serious and this is your business, not a hobby.  Present the deal to them, explain why it is a deal if they are not real-estate minded, and give them reasonable terms on their investment.

For other ideas you can type "creative financing" in the search box and there are a lot of forum posts covering the different options.  Also, check out the podcasts if you haven't, there are a few that cover this subject.

I wish you the best!

A few ideas I thought of:

I've read that a lot of people use Craigs List to sell, not sure if you have tried that.  

Another site I have heard tossed around is Backpage.  

You could list a classified ad in your local newspaper (if you have one).  

I am pretty remote and we have a community buy/sell/trade Facebook page.  

Local bulletin boards at grocery stores, restaurants, hardware stores, etc.

Some smaller towns may have local internet service providers that offer advertising.

Advertising in any magazines that may have a subscriber base that matches your target audience (hunting magazines, camping magazines, vacation/travel, whomever you think is likely to buy the land).

You could also list the land on the MLS, but have the agent agree that if you find the buyer no commission will be paid.

Hope these ideas help! 

I have been following @Seth Williams  RETipster blog for a few months now, scouring his archives for information. He has a TON of great information and includes video tutorials describing how he operates his land investing business.

From my comprehension so far, one of the most important considerations for vacant land is ensuring you will be able to sell the parcel after you buy it. It sounds like you have vacationers coming to your area, so you could possibly market your land to them as potential vacation home sites, or for camping/RV use. If you are selling your properties below market value, this would likely be pretty appealing to those folks.  This also means that due diligence is of utmost importance. You have to verify the land actually has reasonable (legal) access, is zoned for your intended end use, there are no local land-use ordinances that interfere with the intended land use, etc.

Another tricky area in the vacant land business seems to be determining the market value of the parcel.  I am still studying this, so I can't really speak on it yet.

I am kicking off my first direct-marketing campaign after the holidays. That being said, I have no personal experience in this area yet, just the knowledge I picked up from Seth and here on BP. This seems to be a pretty decent way to get started investing with low money out of pocket. You may not make tens of thousands of dollars off most deals, but I will settle for a few hundred or thousand dollars for the opportunity to start with low capital and gain investing experience. Also, positive cash flow is possible if you sell the land on a land contract/owner-financing.

I hope this helps and I wish you the best!

One of my friends owns about 13 homes near Western Michigan University. He has been renting to students for over a decade now as he has been growing his portfolio. He typically has a group of friends rent a SFR together, and gets the parents to sign the lease (this is of utmost importance according to him). He also advertises through the University housing office.

He self-manages his properties, with the help of another mutual friend who is in the process of buying his second student-rental.  His homes do typically require a lot more repairs/maintenance after vacancies, but he bills the parents for damages.  Also, a lot of the students stay in his homes even during summer break, because they have jobs in the area and/or they just prefer to stay in the area rather than go back home.

Hey Troy,

I used to be in that area about six years ago, but have since moved.

If you use the 'Network' tab on the top menu, you can enter your zip code and a list of members from your area will populate.  Hope this helps!

Steve, welcome to the site!

I have not been down to Bend yet, but I have heard nothing but awesome things from a few of my friends who have been through your neighborhood.

I've been steadily studying the site for a few months now.  It is a lot of information to ingest, but I am kicking off my first direct mail campaign here in the next couple weeks to ensure 2015 is successful.   

If you haven't already checked them out, I highly recommend the podcasts.  They are an amazing source of information.  Also, a huge help with finding information related to your interests is the 'keyword alerts'.  You can set those up under your profile settings, forums, keyword alerts.  This will notify you when someone uses a word you have identified.

I wish you the best in your endeavors!

I was about to post this same question. I have been in need of someone who handles document creation. Specifically, right now I need an LLC created and advice on land purchase/resale transactions. @Dan Russell  can you point me in a good direction?

Thanks in advance!  

Hi @Cynthia Vaughn 

Welcome to the site and I wish you the best in reaching your goals.  My wife and I are working to move to, and invest in buy-and-hold properties in the San Antonio area.  I look forward to seeing you around the forums!