All Forum Posts by: Isaac Bartels

Hi Isaac, I have found value investing in Cleveland, OH because it is home to Cleveland Clinic, lot of good neighborhoods, landlord friendly laws, stable appreciation and good cash flowing properties. There are also abundant opportunities for small multi family and SFH. I have been able to scale up to 12 doors in 2 years so definitely recommend this area. Feel free to reach out and we can discuss.

Quote from @Isaac Bartels:

Because most people are foolish and think shortcuts will make them wealthy faster, instead of following financial practices proven over thousands of years.

Proverbs 22:7  "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."

Until that debt is paid off, you are beholden to the lender and not truly free. Who is more likely to succeed in life: the person that takes shortcuts or the person that demonstrates discipline?

Here's a calculator: https://studentloanhero.com/ca...

Crunch the numbers to see the difference. The calculator will show that you could make more money by investing now rather than paying off the debt early, but that's in a perfect world and it doesn't show what will happen if you pay off the debt early and then start investing years earlier. There's also value in financial discipline.

It's hard to argue with any of the previous advice.  You may want to consider house hacking as your first investment.  There are many loan options available for a new home buyer and you could rent out rooms to cover the cost of the mortgage.  With the money you save on housing you could use to either pay down your debit or save for another investment or both.

Quote from @Isaac Bartels:

I disagree with most people on this topic. You should invest from a foundation of strong financial discipline. Follow advice from guys like Dave Ramsey to get your debt paid off, your emergency fund established, and everything 100% under control, then you'll be in a strong position to invest and weather any problems that come your way. Dave's "opinion" is nothing new and the kind of discipline used for thousands of years to get personal finances in order. 

For those that poo-poo Dave Ramsey, his advice is for personal finances and not all of it applies to investing.

Isaac, I'd refrain from paying off your debt immediately as long as your making a higher interest rate on your cash than your interest rate on your debt. For example, if your debt has an interest rate of 5% and your money invested elsewhere (Real Estate) is making 10% then you are making the difference of 5%. 

In regards to the stock market, I don't believe its necessary to have before investing in real estate. 

Great questions!