All Forum Posts by: James Rodgers
James Rodgers has started 39 posts and replied 128 times.
Post: "Wholesaler" having an identity crisis

- Investor
- Birmingham, AL
- Posts 135
- Votes 42
This is an open-ended post. I hope to hear from both sides, those on this site who are for and against the model of wholesaling that most promote. I hope to hear some thought-processes I haven't heard yet. I hope you let loose all your passionate views on the subject.
I had some success wholesaling (the BP definition of wholesaling) - and saw enough potential in it to quit my W2 job, start an LLC and go after it 40 hours of the week. This pursuit has been incredibly fulfilling, engaging and eye-opening; significant relationships have been established and I've even acquired properties for myself along the way.
In the last two weeks, however, I've heard some stuff that has made me question everything I'm doing. One source is a trusted, personal friend known since childhood who has reached financial freedom through REI. The other two are reputable, nationally-recognized investors. I've been stuck inside a house for a week getting it ready to rent, unable to reconcile these thoughts that make me want to take the word "wholesaling" out of my LLC name:
1. I have signs across my city saying "I buy houses." BUT I do not buy houses for cash, nor do I have the ability to - I can only assign them. Think this is fraud.
2. I send letters in the mail saying "I can pay with cash, I can close quickly." BUT this is mail fraud. I cannot pay with cash, though I can connect them with someone who can.
3. EVEN THOUGH every seller I go under contract with KNOWS that I am going to assign and not close myself, I am signing a legal document that states my intention to purchase real estate with cash at closing, when I am completely unable to back that up on my own. Think this is fraud.
4. Even though my P&SA has a paragraph where the seller gives me permission to market the property, they can't make it legal for me to market the property! Think this is brokering without a license.
5. (the one that's just kinda embarrasing) The model I'm working on is the standard wholesaling model promoted throughout BP and by most gurus. Correct me if I'm wrong, BUT the legal definition of wholesaling in real estate is to PURCHASE a property, then sell to another investor (not a retail user). I have not learned wholesaling, I have learned CONTRACT ASSIGNMENT. Technically, I have never wholesaled a property and am UNABLE TO DO SO because I'm "getting started in real estate with no money."
Listen, my LLC is Intentional Wholesaling. My goal was to establish a business that is branded with integrity, and every transaction is fully transparent. I only wish to win if the seller has first won, then the investor has won. I am questioning whether a business can be structured upon the assignment of contracts and still be full of integrity.
I want to give y'all a chance to keep me from walking away from this widely popular model, or give you a chance to fully push me over the edge to walk away and never look back. I credit a huge portion of my growth in REI to BP and am thankful to have found such a resource.
Sincerely,
James
Post: Birmingham, AL investment property

- Investor
- Birmingham, AL
- Posts 135
- Votes 42
Tenants pay. Zillow will tell you that taxes are around $1000.
Post: Birmingham, AL investment property

- Investor
- Birmingham, AL
- Posts 135
- Votes 42
James, I am all about seller financing. But if you see that it is available via assignment, that means I do not hold title to the property. I have a signed P&SA with the owner which can be assigned to a cash buyer.
Post: Birmingham, AL investment property

- Investor
- Birmingham, AL
- Posts 135
- Votes 42
Didn't quite get a 2% deal, but darn near close! Awesome instant cash flow opportunity in the north Eastlake neighborhood of Birmingham, AL.
The tenant has been consistently paying for 4 years, and wishes to stay. They have taken excellent care of the property and there is little to no repairs needed. There are 4 beds, 2 baths, 2,474 square feet on the main and 2nd level, then the basement, where the 3rd bath is along with tons of finished square footage.
This property is under an executed purchase and sale agreement and available via assignment. Gotta move quickly on it, though.
Post: Owner Finance With Existing Mortgage in Alabama

- Investor
- Birmingham, AL
- Posts 135
- Votes 42
I believe you can't do this based on the "due on sale" clause, right? Depends on how old the mortgage is and whether it has that language or not.
Post: Buying "Turn-Key" Rentals Out of Market

- Investor
- Birmingham, AL
- Posts 135
- Votes 42
We have some solid TK providers here in Birmingham.
Post: Who wants to get into commercial with me?

- Investor
- Birmingham, AL
- Posts 135
- Votes 42
Multiple people have told me to keep them in the loop if I find small multifamily off market deals. Well, I'm looking at a 6-unit and an 8-unit and, for the life of me, can't remember who all said that.
Looking for some type of JV. Probably a financial partner while I'm the "boots on the ground" partner, managing the property, negotiating the deal...
Give me a call.
James
Post: Forestdale wholesale opportunity

- Investor
- Birmingham, AL
- Posts 135
- Votes 42
Google maps will show you the property from behind, FYI you who do your research before calling. :) Lots of pictures available upon request.
Post: Forestdale wholesale opportunity

- Investor
- Birmingham, AL
- Posts 135
- Votes 42
Flip or hold.
Sits stately upon two lots. Single car garage, mud room off back. Central heating and air is working. New roof is needed.
Just off highway 78, 12 minutes from downtown.
Price: $27,000
Estimated rent: $900
Property is under an executed purchase contract and is available via assignment.
Post: Average cap rate for a D class neighborhood

- Investor
- Birmingham, AL
- Posts 135
- Votes 42
Who can tell me what the typical cap rate is in a D class neighborhood? Making an offer on an eight unit apartment complex, fully occupied in good condition.
You can definitely tell me what is the best and worst you've seen, but I want to know the average.
James