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All Forum Posts by: Eric Gerakos

Eric Gerakos has started 0 posts and replied 665 times.

Post: Boring Buy and Hold Investors

Eric GerakosPosted
  • Investor
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Posts 681
  • Votes 945

Boring buy and hold has served me well……

Post: Paul McGraw Mentor Program Actual Review

Eric GerakosPosted
  • Investor
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Posts 681
  • Votes 945
Quote from @Jonathan Greene:

Hi. I just logged onto a site as a new member and the first and only thing I did was write a review about real estate investing coaching program that no one has ever heard of. This seems very realistic, honest, and trustworthy. I can't imagine this would be a giant can of spam in any way.

Jonathan, thanks for confirming that McGraw is legit. Now if I can just find my credit card……

Post: What's the First Step?

Eric GerakosPosted
  • Investor
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Posts 681
  • Votes 945

"Taking action" and breaking free from "analysis paralysis" cause many new investors to rush into bad, money losing deals. Invest when the numbers make sense. It's a marathon not a sprint.

Post: Is it wise to start real estate in California?

Eric GerakosPosted
  • Investor
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Posts 681
  • Votes 945
Quote from @Remington Lyman:
Quote from @Gladys Villa:

Hello all! I have heard a lot of investors investing out of state like Ohio, Memphis, Texas, Seattle, etc, but rarely they say they have apartments and anything similar in nature, in California. I live in California, and I know property prices are very high. Is it not smart to start in California because of this? Why do investors not consider CA in their investing? Where can I get information about investing out of state and learning the differences and advantages? 


 Most California investors buy in cheaper markets like Ohio so they can get cashflow

I have a lot of friends in California who are real estate investors. None of them buy in Ohio......

Isadore, the primary flaw in your idea is a common one among new investors. You overlook the most basic rules of supply and demand. Have you asked yourself WHY are the properties so cheap? And what kind of tenant is going to live there? They are cheap because they are undesirable and will attract crappy tenants. Instead of the cash flow you see on paper, you’re looking at high vacancy, high maintenance and no cash flow. Cheap properties are usually no bargain. Best of luck to you.

Post: national rent control

Eric GerakosPosted
  • Investor
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Posts 681
  • Votes 945

I just read that the 5% limit would only apply to corporate landlords with 50 or more units.

Post: I ovrbid and now I dont like the house

Eric GerakosPosted
  • Investor
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Posts 681
  • Votes 945

Across from a cemetery is great. The dead are usually quiet at night….

I never negotiate the rent or security deposit. I buy desirable properties in desirable areas.

Post: Softening Rent Prices

Eric GerakosPosted
  • Investor
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Posts 681
  • Votes 945
Quote from @Steve K.:

Just had a vacancy near Wash Park where the previous renters had been there for a few years and were paying $2,200. I listed it for $2,600 and had 20 people show up to the open house, got 3 qualified applicants and the unit was filled immediately. Renewed leases on 4 others (in Wash Park and Speer), with 10% increases. Tenants all tell me they'd much rather rent from an individual landlord, the big PM companies have bad reputations apparently. Class A properties in good locations are holding strong. I'm grateful that I sold all of my class C buildings over the past several years, even though they were supposed to cash flow better than the class A buildings, they never did and the rent and value appreciation wasn't nearly as good either. Location, location, location people! The golden rule that I wish I had paid more attention to earlier.  

Every new investor who thinks they will make a fortune buying C and D crapboxes in the Midwest needs to read this……

Post: Softening Rent Prices

Eric GerakosPosted
  • Investor
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • Posts 681
  • Votes 945

I just raised rents again and have a waiting list for tenants. This is why I always preach buying fewer but more desirable properties. Higher demand, higher rents, less vacancy etc.