All Forum Posts by: Ian Boyd

I am in Bozeman, but in my Real Estate Agent Opinion it really depends on what you are looking for with your investment. Bozeman/Flathead/Missoula for example is expensive(cash flow not great) but appreciation is very likely. Billings, Great Falls, and Butte is much less expensive so better cash flows, but not as much appreciation. This is a general statement that does not fit every scenario perfectly. Feel free to reach out. If you need an agent I know many across the state I would be happy to refer you to them. I am also an agent in Bozeman so if you dont already have an agent I can answer questions and get you access to the MLS if need be.

Thanks,

-IB

@Josh Jack

If you make it up to Montana, Bozeman is a great town for commercial construction. Finding work will not be a problem in this area and it's a mountain town so hiking, fishing, hunting, skiing and more are right in your back yard. Not to mention Yellowstone national park is about an hour away. Maybe too far for your trip but Bozeman might be a great place to put on your radar. I know your post says your going to northern Idaho. So definitely checkout coeur d'alene/Sandpoint/Spokane area. Beautiful area with lakes and amazing skiing close by.

@Jared Unverzagt

How many bedrooms is your bozeman property?

I only ask because a 3 bedroom house with a good location is going to rent for 1500-1900. A 4 bed should rent more for like 2000-2300. I have not seen a lot of good opportunities in the 300-350k price range.

I'm a realtor here in Bozeman and I am looking for a property similar to what you described.

Your question about appreciation depends on what you want. In Bozeman appreciation is not something to overlook. I believe that appreciation is critical to investors because let's say your property in Bozeman appreciated $40,000. If your cash flow is $400 a month it would take 100 months to match that. Then with the appreciation you could use that to leverage yourself into another property. That's why real estate is, in my opinion, the best way to build wealth. If you invest in the stock market you can't use the stock you have to buy more. In real estate you absolutely can buy more RE with the properties you already have.

I would love to grab a cup of coffee and see if there is anyway I can help you with your investing career. I'm beginning to specialize in helping investors. In Bozeman, finding of market deals is hard but usually the best way to get a cash flowing property. Also if you don't already have an agent, I am a realtor so I can answer questions and get you access to the MLS data if you need it.

Thanks, IB

@Matt M. Bozeman is doing really well through this virus.

https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/coronavirus/bozeman-housing-market-continues-climb-despite-pandemic/article_afd1e701-128b-589f-9ca3-6df22ea5e81d.html

@George Shetler

They might already have one going. I grabbed the link for you!

https://www.biggerpockets.com/topics/180077

I hope that helps thanks

-IB

That is exactly what I was trying to say. You have the option of leverage with higher risk or a SFH with little to no mortgage and lower risk.

You will definitely want to shop around and find a local lender when you decide when and where you want to invest. 

@Heinz Mikat

I found BP from a simple Google search for "best real estate podcasts". It has definitely changed my life for the better. I'm from whitefish and now I'm a Realtor in Bozeman. Feel free to reach out if you need any advice when your thinking about moving back to Montana. I know a lot of good agents statewide and my dad is a broker in Billings. I would be happy to help a fellow investor on their journey.

@Jory Van Antwerp

Do you want to stay in Montana? If you do I would recommend Billings, Bozeman or Missoula. I do not know a ton about Missoula but I was raised in Billings (my dad's a broker in Billings)and I am currently an agent with Keller William's in Bozeman. Feel free to reach out with any questions anytime!

You may consider buying properties in Belgrade with likely 1-3% cashflow but great appreciation and a strong rental demand. You would potentially not have to move as it's only 130 minutes away. Another idea would be to look at a place such as Townsend or Gallatin Gateway for a VRBO. If you care more about cashflow Billings is a good market with lower home prices and lower appreciation. Those conditions leave you better suited to potentially make a good amount each month.

With 220k you should think about how many properties you want and what kind. Do you want a 4plex, a row of condo/townhouses, or maybe single family. Do you want a VRBO on a lake you can use when not rented(I know I do). You have a lot of options to consider.

IB

@Bridger L Logan

You will definitely be able to rent a condo very easily here. Rentals of any kind are in high demand because of the college and fast population growth. The main thing you need to watch is cash flow because Bozeman is a fast moving market with low inventory. It can be done but you have to find the right property and put an offer in quickly once you do.

@Bridger L Logan

That sound like a great idea. The one thing that comes to mind is have properties that spread out sounds like it could become a problem keeping up with state laws and property managers.

I also recommend finding a good agent to help. They can advise you and help you find other good agents across the country. I'm a Realtor here in Bozeman and I would love to help. Feel free to reach out for anything!

Congrats on the new job! My brother just graduated from MSU with a project engineering degree. He got a job in Bozeman with First Mark. What company are you with?( If you don't mind me asking)