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All Forum Posts by: Donald E Appleberry

Donald E Appleberry has started 16 posts and replied 138 times.

Post: Are there any meetups in Carlsbad or North San diego county?

Donald E AppleberryPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • San Diego, CA
  • Posts 144
  • Votes 145

I've been to the events held by @Jessica Muto and they are always informing and fun! Check them out on the BP events tab. 

Post: Military Real Estate Investing Meet Up

Donald E AppleberryPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • San Diego, CA
  • Posts 144
  • Votes 145

Text me when you’re outside!

Post: Military Real Estate Investing Meet Up

Donald E AppleberryPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • San Diego, CA
  • Posts 144
  • Votes 145

Stoked for tomorrow! SD closed in restaurant dining for the next 3 weeks Monday. So Serrano's may not be doable, but it looks like a lot of places are open for patio dining if anyone's trying to grab some food after. 

Post: Military Real Estate Investing Meet Up

Donald E AppleberryPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • San Diego, CA
  • Posts 144
  • Votes 145

Hey guys. Yes, I still plan on holding the meet up. Bring a mask just for guidelines sake and its  posted on the BP event for July 11th at 5pm. See you then!

Post: Best use of a HELOC in San Diego

Donald E AppleberryPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • San Diego, CA
  • Posts 144
  • Votes 145

@Justin Beckman 

Hey man! I hold real estate investing meet ups in downtown. The next one is the 11th at 5pm. It's posted on BP as well. Feel free to come by and talk RE investing! We have a pretty diverse group when it comes to strategy and knowledge. 

(Also, Serrano's across the street has solid food and beer for after Haha.)

Post: $10k investment in hand.

Donald E AppleberryPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • San Diego, CA
  • Posts 144
  • Votes 145

You could go FHA and use grants as other have said. If you're not opposed to looking a little further east of SD then I think it's realistic. You could also find a few less expensive condos in downtown or Mission Valley if the location is vital. Come out to my real estate investing meet up the 11th (Event on Bigger Pockets). Tons of info there!

Post: Duplex Purchase Through Va Loan

Donald E AppleberryPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • San Diego, CA
  • Posts 144
  • Votes 145

Hey man,

First thing is to talk with a lender. Stay away from Navy Fed and USAA. I bank with NFCU but as far as mortgages they usually don't provide the best qualification and rate. 

If you have property management experience it will make it easier for you to use 75% of the rents (typically) as income for qualifying. It depends on your lender which is why it's important that you start off by finding a good one. I have some points of contact I can give you. They may not be able to help directly, but I know they'll at least have solid connections for you. 

When it comes to your agent, Look for someone who understands the strategies you're trying to use with the VA loan. 100% financing does take away from the profitability of a house hack, however picking up an asset for 0 down is hard to argue with. Regardless, make sure you run your numbers and make sure your agent understands how too as well. I also have some agents out there I know.

Don't overlook the fact that your 100% financed. (I'm assuming your doing 0 down). So if you aren't cashflowing day one that doesn't mean it is a terrible deal. It is going to be your primary residence for a few years and theres nothing wrong with paying for where you live. Look at it through a long term lens. If it makes sense for your goals then get a second opinion from a mentor or even check out @David Pere and the "Military to Millionaire" Facebook group. Theres a ton of good info in there shared daily. 

As far as tenant prospecting, if you want to rent to military you can list the property for rent through base housing and have them market it for you. This is something new I've been looking into myself so I'm unsure of any fees they may or may not charge, but could take the stress off of you for filling any vacancy. 

Do a thorough home inspection, be prepared for some potential repairs or updating after close, and enjoy the process. PM me if you'd like those points of contacts or any more info. I'm in CA but I'd be glad to help. Kudos to you for using the VA loan to build a portfolio. I love it.

All the best!

Post: Military Real Estate Investing Meet Up

Donald E AppleberryPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • San Diego, CA
  • Posts 144
  • Votes 145

@Erich Brown

Heck yeah man! Stoked to meet you.

Post: Military Real Estate Investing Meet Up

Donald E AppleberryPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • San Diego, CA
  • Posts 144
  • Votes 145

What's up guys. We were doing this for a bit before COVID and I'm pushing to get it going again ASAP. The last one went well and I expect this one to have very few restrictions. 

I'm a prior Reconnaissance Marine and moved into real estate full time after I got out. I'll be hosting with David Pere who's currently  active duty and has built a solid military based investing community that cuts out the B.S. I wanted to bring that online community to in person meet ups and events so here we are!

Come have a couple drinks and tacos with other investors in the area. New and Experienced. We have a pretty diverse group in regards to investment strategy. There's always someone who knows something you don't, the key is to connect with them.

**Yes I'm an agent and No I will not be soliciting any services to you. Anyone at the event strictly for soliciting or self promotion will be escorted out. When I first started I fell into a "Guru Trap" as I call them and spent way too much money for information and guidance that I think should be easily accessible to guys and gals just starting out. This is for helping people learn and grow without paying for a "behind the curtain" pitch.

Hope to see you guys there and I'll continue to update as San Diego updates procedure.

Post: Newbie here with analysis paralysis...

Donald E AppleberryPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • San Diego, CA
  • Posts 144
  • Votes 145


What would you suggest to newbies ?

-Find a solid mentor. 

What motivates you about RE investing?

-I work all VA/Investing. Helping fellow military members create a portfolio correctly and dwarf their possible pension. 

What gets you juiced in the morning?

-Get up early and focus on yourself with no distractions. "Prepare don't react."

What inspires you about RE investing ?

-Always working, but working for myself. The best investment is in yourself. Do what you love. 

What are the troubles you have faced while investing?

-That is a long list. haha. Every deal is different, which keeps it interesting! You'll never know everything, take the next step!