All Forum Posts by: Devin James
Devin James has started 120 posts and replied 491 times.
Post: We Need Higher Density & Smaller Homes - Thoughts?

- Developer
- Orlando, FL
- Posts 500
- Votes 304
Quote from @Bill B.:
The problem is the government would have to get out of the way. And I don’t know if they’ve ever given up a power they took or a fee they’ve imposed.
Look at every single existing and new build. The cost per sf skyrockets as house size decreases.
You could convince people they should have their kids, parents and/or grandparents live in their houses with them.
Ps. If smaller living space was the answer we could just build a boatload of 1000 unit apartment buildings. (Call them condos if you want the pride of ownership.) But Americans have pets they love and want our space. There’s a boatload of affordable housing across the country in small towns. But affordable housing isn’t good enough. It has to be in the most desirable/expensive areas of the country. Many people assume they have the right to affordable housing in markets the middle, or even upper middle class can’t afford.
Great insight
Agreed that the price per sqft skyrockets as home size decreases. We cant make smaller homes work in most markets and mostly build 1990 sqft homes.
I DO see smaller homes selling significantly faster and larger homes sitting longer.
Post: We Need Higher Density & Smaller Homes - Thoughts?

- Developer
- Orlando, FL
- Posts 500
- Votes 304
Quote from @Caleb Brown:
I think it's not as worth it for builders. If they can build a larger home and sell it for the same or more rather then building a couple small homes why do it? I also don't think the price would be cheaper then preexisting homes. The smaller new builds still go for a pretty penny in my area and it's not affordable compared to what else is out there. If someone would choose a new, small 2/1 for 250K or a 3/1 1950s build for 250K they would choose the bigger one all day long. Just what I see
Agreed on the first part
We build 1990 sqft homes because thats where we find the best price per sqft. We cant make smaller homes work in most markets.
But smaller homes are selling significantly faster since thats what Buyers can afford
Post: We Need Higher Density & Smaller Homes - Thoughts?

- Developer
- Orlando, FL
- Posts 500
- Votes 304
Affordability is one of the biggest challenges in today’s housing market.
I believe smaller, more dense units are part of the solution:
1) Buyers can only afford smaller homes in today’s economy.
2) Denser units maximize the land available, increasing housing supply to help offset demand and ultimately bring costs down overall.
It’s not just about building more, it’s also about building smarter.
What are your thoughts?
Post: Always Have Multiple Exit Strategies

- Developer
- Orlando, FL
- Posts 500
- Votes 304
When investing in real estate, having multiple exit strategies is key.
For a single investment property, make sure the numbers work for both scenarios:
1️) If you decide to sell the home, the deal should produce a solid return.
2️) If you need to rent it out, the rental income should cover expenses and provide a profit.
Flexibility is what saves you when things don’t turn out as planned.
Always plan for more than one way to win.
Post: There's always a reason not to invest... Start today

- Developer
- Orlando, FL
- Posts 500
- Votes 304
Quote from @Mackay Oakey:
This is great advice. When I first started learning about REI (4 years ago) I had these thoughts constantly. I figured "this has to get better, right?"
Eventually I realized that you really just need to look for a deal that fits your criteria. If you can find that deal, pull that trigger. The second best time to plant a tree is certainly today. It's always going to be easy to look back and wish you would've invested in year X.
100%!!
When I purchased my first property in 2020, I feared then that COVID would cause a downturn, but I was thinking longterm and got "lucky"
Many experienced investors I speak to have the same few regrets
1) I wish I started sooner
2) I wish I bought more
3) I wish I never sold
Post: There's always a reason not to invest... Start today

- Developer
- Orlando, FL
- Posts 500
- Votes 304
No matter the stage of the market, there’s always reasons not to invest.
- Prices are too high
- Prices are falling
- Interest rates are too high
- My Cousins, Mothers, Sister told me that Real Estate is too risky
There’s never a “perfect” time, but everyone wishes that they started sooner.
Start today, have a long-term vision.
Post: 3 Homes Closing this week!

- Developer
- Orlando, FL
- Posts 500
- Votes 304
Quote from @Jared Smith:
@Devin James My bet is on that they close. This is under the assumption that these closing companies would like to get these done by the EOY for their annual numbers. Not really sure if they look at it that way, but it is my guess!
Good luck and way to go on creating your own destiny!
Jared
Love the confidence @Jared Smith!
I truly hope so
Thank you!!
Post: Why Land Entitlement is one of the Riskiest Forms of Investing - But Also Highest ROI

- Developer
- Orlando, FL
- Posts 500
- Votes 304
Quote from @Justin Stamper:
Quote from @Devin James:
Quote from @Justin Stamper:
land entitlement is a great move in florida. just gotta have deep pockets to play! I just paid my attorney 15k today in just fees for 4 entitlement contract red lines and we arnt even under contract yet!
Haha 100%!!
you should come to the highest&best toy drive and REI meetup today so we can meet and chat. I'll post a link here: highest&best REI meetup/mastermind
Hey Justin,
I wont be able to make it today, but lets schedule a time to grab coffee.
I believe we met at a Meetup at The Guesthouse a few months back
Shoot me a DM
Post: “Men of action are favored by the goodness of good luck” - The Richest Man in Babylon

- Developer
- Orlando, FL
- Posts 500
- Votes 304
Quote from @Mike Dymski:
Most of the investors I know have never read a real estate book or listened to a podcast. They are in the field sourcing opportunities, analyzing real deals, and making offers.
“If more information was the answer, then we'd all be billionaires with perfect abs.” ― Derek Sivers
Haha, so good!
Post: 3 Homes Closing this week!

- Developer
- Orlando, FL
- Posts 500
- Votes 304
Big Week Ahead!
3 homes scheduled to close this week:
1) Tuesday - New Construction Home with GreatLeaf Capital
2) Wednesday - My Great Grandmother's home in Waycross, GA (Photo below)
3) Friday - New Construction Home built by my Siblings and I
Let’s see if everything goes smoothly.
What do you think? Any bets on whether a closing gets delayed?
The unexpected always has a way of sneaking in at the last minute.
Here's to a week of smooth transitions and no surprises!
