All Forum Posts by: Eric Delcol

Mark S. We are based out of Phoenix and as of last year found it very difficult to find deals. We decided to expand out to Tampa as the prices are much better (Florida is still recovering from 08 where as most other states including AZ have fully recovered or are above their 08 levels). If you're set on Phoenix - for what you're looking for try Goodyear / Avondale or Chandler.

If the problem was fixed and it passes inspection I wouldn't worry about it. Water damage tends to scare people away - and rightly so, because sometimes it's hard to track the source and is usually hidden behind ceilings and walls. But if you've received the disclosure with documentation and your inspector doesn't find anything that would lead to it still being a problem then you should be fine. Do a through check for mold.

Dalton Hirst In addition to fundamental analysis you also need technical. Is the area growing? Is there a strong commercial presence? What are the price trends? Numbers first, visuals to verify.

Nicholas Weckstein Check out my post on which cities are growing the fastest: Best US Cities for Growth - How Does Your City Compare? on the BiggerPockets forums http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/424717-best-us-cities-for-growth---how-does-your-city-compare

Andrew R. Asides from SF and Seattle - Wilmington is the only other city on your list with 5%+ growth over the past 10 years. With the goals you listed it seems like the best suited for what you want to do.

Michael Rosenson We were in your shoes a year ago. We found the best agent and know most of the area very well. Send me a PM if you want to talk, share info.

Jon D. It depends on how far from downtown you're talking about. Hamilton may have what you're looking for. But I wouldn't consider that part of the GTA. Anything closer than that and you're looking at double your budget for a SF let alone a duplex.

Hey Ian, Phoenix, Houston, Tampa, and Jacksonville will suit you well. Virginia beach is tough. If you need contacts in Phoenix or Tampa lmk.

Megan Phillips "Do people in expensive real estate markets have advice, or is it simply suck it up, and save money until I can afford something in that price range?" Here are a few things you can do if your market has a high entry point: Wholesale deals. Fix n flip using short term hard money. Invest in another market. You can make money in any market. It all depends on your approach and strategy. Trying to find cashflow in San Francisco is nearly impossible. So would trying to do 2 million dollar flips in downtown Detroit. But reverse those two strategies and now they work. You may not even have to venture across the country to find what works for you. Using the above example 30 mins from Detroit proper you will find lavish homes that could be flipped. 2 hrs outside SF you'll find properties that will cashflow. If your local market doesn't fit your model, find a market that works with what you're passionate about. Take a look around your area and you may be surprised to find something you can afford. Good luck!

You started off with a good city - Atlanta. If turnkey is working for you why not stick with it? The obvious downside to turnkey is you're paying someone to do the work and they're taking a cut. But if you don't have the time or knowledge to do it yourself it can be a good way to invest. If you want to learn and do things on your own than educate yourself, make a plan, and jump in. Realize it might not be as smooth as turnkey but you should be earning more cash.