All Forum Posts by: Gregory Emmer

Hi @Account Closed...the best place to invest...is where you can make a profit. I would not relegate yourself to a specific neighborhood within a county because there are so many that could prove beneficial. You should attend the local PB county investor meetings to better get a sense of what areas may be better than others. Talk to Jeff Green at PB REIA and Linda Willis at Tropical REIA and they can give you info on their meetings.

Hi @Justin Cabral I agree with @Patrick Noel that Tampa is growing market.  I remember reading that there are more searches on google about real estate investing in Tampa than Orlando and South Florida.  So there's definitely an opportunity on the West Coast to be looking for rental properties.  The only piece of advice that I would give as you look to invest is make sure each rental property is stand-alone.  What I mean by that is make sure that the net rents can support your property taxes, insurance, misc maintenance, and even a small vacancy allowance. The worst scenario you'd want to be in is having to pay out of pocket or take profit from another property to overcompensate for losses on a commercial complex.

Hi @Marilyn Clark I would seek out fellow investors at local networking events that are held in the Tri-County area.  There are two types of investors.  Ones that have the deal, but light on the cash, and others that are cash-rich, but can't find the property.  After you've developed a feel for which areas you want to invest in, then you can start focusing on one networking group in particular.  I would focus on the two big groups, DREIA and BREIA, which offer lots of insight, mentorship, and even partnership opportunities.  At this point, I would become more hands-on in practice, and ease up on the education until you get your feet wet.  I have always been a proponent of getting out there and doing a deal as opposed to taking week-long seminars.

Welcome to BP @Al Fludd, there is certainly a wealth of knowledge and insight on the forums.  I think in conjunction with any supplemental education you seek, I would also meet local professionals that have been doing what you are looking to get into.  Hands-on experience, in my opinion, always trumps what a seminar or book will teach.  BREIA is a great networking and educational form to meet investors, industry professionals and get some education along the way.  It is the 1st Wednesday of every month at the Signature Grand off of State Rd. 84.  Good luck!

@Account Closed If you are assigning a contract, I do not believe that a mortgage on the property is not enough to make it nonassignable, however, for the end user to be given a free-and-clear title policy, there usually has to be a satisfaction of the mortgage lien on the home.

@Cheyenne Davis Obviously there's a lot left to be desired...I would think a 3% cut is enough to work their tails off for you, but it doesn't look to be the case.  For someone that deals in the volume that you do, having a go-get-em agent is the difference between 15 deals and potentially double that.  I would start asking colleagues, going to networking events, and meeting other individuals that could potentially refer you business.

Heck, even in the short-term, I'd look to get your license, become a realtor, and set up your own alerts on your own MLS account and save the 3%!

@Paul Ferraro Welcome to BP.  The market down in South Florida is growing at a rapid pace, so now's a great time to move down.  If you end up moving , I can recommend a few local networking meetings in the area where you can meet investors like yourself and other industry professionals for services you might need (agent, mortgages, contracting, etc...).  Good luck!

@Jim Claunch I think you have to determine what marketing route you wish to take.  In my eyes, there's a more organic, grassroots marketing platform, or you can go the digital route and market your website, e-mail marketing, and social media.  The latter is certainly more costly.  I feel the former is a more appropriate route because not only will you be marketing your business, but you will have face-to-face communication with individuals that could be added to your buyer's list.  And, when you get into wholesaling, you will realize your buyer's list is a lifeline to success.

@Justin Cabral  Many varying opinions, but I agree that the ones which rely on metrics, as opposed to personal anecdotes and opinions, are probably the more reliable ones.  That being said, I'll offer my own opinion.  I have lived in Brickell for the past 4 years, and the amount of development going on is scary.  The theory is all the foreign money will flood the condo market and buy up everything with cash.  However, is there really enough demand for that?  Perhaps, there's a metric, an article that can distinguish between what is fact vs. fiction.  Also, what's going to happen to the value in a seemingly new building built in 2008 (one that I live in), when nearly 20 brand-new construction high rises open in the next three years.  I guess we'll find out...

@Brian Stephens Thank you for letting this be an example that it's never too late to begin a second career, or even an extra-curricular activity. It seems like you are well-traveled throughout the country, and I'd use that to your advantage when discovering a real estate market that suites your goals. It could be FL, maybe CA, or even VA. Sure, it's convenient when it's closer to home, but that may not always be where the best deals are!