All Forum Posts by: Jessica Jones

@Brian Garlington GREAT POINTS!!! Didn't think of it that way in terms of local politics, etc. Thanks for the insight!

@Account Closed THANK YOU for this info!! Do you mostly do 1 and 2beds then? And do you only do section 8 in multifamilies? It seems pretty hard to cash flow when my debt/mortgage would be so high, even with section 8. Also, do they give you 100% of the Oakland "fair market rate" or do you have to allocate some of those funds to utilities. Thanks in advance for any info!

@Jerome Kaidor Thanks for your reply! I was worried about that as well (government not paying) but am happy to hear that your payments went through and that Alameda County is easy to deal with. How have you been able to find deals in Hayward that lend themselves to cash flow? My husband and I almost put an offer on a duplex last night in Richmond, but the listing agent said that wanted 200K over ask (which was insane) or they wouldn't consider it. 

@Brian Garlington Thanks for responding! Have you had success in those areas? What is your vacancy factor? Are you able to get section 8 to pay you 100% of the fair market rate?

Hi All-

First off, how am I just discovering Bigger Pockets!?? I am incredibly grateful that I found this podcast and community. I'm a Registered Dietitian & Entrepreneur and I have been passionate about real estate ever since I was 6 years old (seriously... I used to find open houses in the Penny Saver and beg my mom to take me). 

My husband and I purchased our first property in the Richmond Annex in 2018 (a 2/1 with an unfinished basement). Last year we renovated the basement and turned it into a permitted 450-square foot studio and have been renting it out to traveling nurses every since. 

We are looking to grow our portfolio and are thinking about using the BRRR method to rent out via Section 8.

I have three questions:

-Does anyone have any experience with Section 8 in the East Bay (Richmond, Antioch, San Pablo, Pitsburg, San Leandro, Hayward, Oakland, etc)? What has your experience been like? Are there a lot of applicants for 4,5,6 bedroom homes? Is the process seamless as a landlord? Have you ever seen the fair market rents DECREASE (or has funding been cut?)

-What are the cities in the East Bay that you recommend investing, especially if I am looking for a SMR with a PP under $400,000

Lastly, I'm looking to connect with any other East Bay investors to offer each other support, exchange ideas, analyze deals, etc. Please don't hesitate to contact me as I'd love to connect!

Thank you!