All Forum Posts by: Jazmin Hernandez

Hello Bigger Pockets community! 
 I am seeking advice!! My fiancé and I are very new to this. We don’t have family or friends that can give us advice so I rely on books, podcasts, and experts for help. We have been looking for properties for about a year and I would like some advice on what you think the best move for us is according to our situation.

Our situation: We have been approved for 1.2million, have about 100k in savings, great credit, and have some student loans but no other debt. We make around 250-300k/ year together (just began our careers and really depends on our overtime). 
FIRST time buyers in California. We would be living in this property until we buy our personal home. Looking in Orange County primarily but open to San Bernardino County. We would like to buy an investment property before our own personal home and purchase our first property in CA. However, eventually just invest in property out of state. These are my current options (if there are better option I would appreciate the feedback!!)

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Option 1: Use CALHFA can only be SFH with ADU (no multi family!). They will give us 15-20% down payment, we will need to pay back the down payment loan PLUS 15-20% of our EQUITY if we sale or refinance. Program just came out this week so have to do more research.

Option 2: Get a duplex with 5-10% down. I have been told we HAVE to put down at least 20% down for a triplex and above and therefore buying a triplex/4plex doesn’t seem feasible. My fear is buying a 1million+ duplex or fixing it and never having cash flow, (in Orange County I see that is about the average price).

Option 3: Buy more affordable SFH around 600-700k BUT invest out of state. (Don't want to make a mistake by buying our personal home vs. investment property first) but I'm starting to see how hard it is to invest in CA.

Thank you for your replies. It has been very helpful! 

Hi everyone! 
I am very very new to this and still trying to learn everything I can about multifamily real estate investments. I am looking to buy my first home (possibly and duplex, triplex or fourplex), however, I have consistently heard to stay away from LA County due to the stricter rent control policies. Is this true? Is this a make or break situation for other investors? I am planning on living in the property for the first few years. 

It has been very challenging to find multifamily homes in OC due to the very little supply. OC is also significantly more expensive than other similar real estate properties in LA or SB County.  Would you suggest looking for other opportunities in LA County or SB County? Or would it be worth it to wait for a good opportunity in OC? 

Thank you!! Appreciate any advice you all may have.