All Forum Posts by: John Knisely

Listsource.com seems to be the most popular one. Local MLS also is searchable by Owner Occupied status so if you have any agents you are working with they might be able to help you out.

 I was thinking First Time Investor

I agree with @Kim Knox. I have buyers who don't know what or where they are looking so I don't narrow my auto-search down for them other than the basics (2-4 units for example). I also have buyers who know very specifically what town, county, zip code or property type they want, and that really helps me help them. Its ok to take a shotgun approach at first to feel out the area, but always best to narrow it down after that. If the agents sending you this stuff aren't listening to your specific requests, I would give them a firm final chance to update the search and listen to you, otherwise I would look for another agent.

As for suggestions, you can use keywords such as TLC, Handyman, Investor, Fixup, In-law, In Law (hypens makes a difference on my MLS) etc. You can search for listings with "estate" in the Owner field to find estate properties with potentially motivated or disinterested sellers. Another idea, search for mismarketed properties or ones that could be better used in a different manner....a garage that could be converted into a living space, a larger house that could be split into a duplex etc. Lots of options Josiah, you just have to be creative!

Remember, garbage in-garbage out often applies here. Bad inputs are probably going to lead to bad outputs, so be very mindful of that.

Hey Phil, typically no PMI is "baked" into the actual rate of the 30 year loan. With rates still relatively low, this can still be advantageous. I would be very surprised if the rate they give is below 4% (even 4.5% with 0 down) right now though.

I also am hesitant to think a duplex at 350k in our area will truly cashflow. Shoot me an email and we'll talk.

@Chrissy Ertz welcome to Philly area real estate. Some fierce competition among agents in this area (seems like everyone you meet is a real estate agent once you get your license). Hope to see you around!

Ryan, starting out as an agent typically costs 1-2k in courses, fees, membership and association dues, MLS access etc, with no guarantee of income whatsoever. I am a part time agent and know that unless you are already well connected with friends, family and neighbors, it can be tough to start earning comissions early on.

You might consider working under a busy, established agent as an unlicensed assistant helping them with marketing, logistics, showings (as your state law allows), open houses, paperwork and lead generation for an hourly rate. Great way to get your feet wet without the uncertainty of income and initial upfront  (and recurring, it does cost money to maintain a license) cost.

With the debt you mentioned, I'd be hesitant to add to the pile and would instead start grinding away at it with guaranteed income and side-work.

welcome to Biggerpockets! You've come to the right place for learning. There are some good networking opportunities that I'd suggest you check out.  My mentor/business partner is always scooping up rental properties and fixing them up and I'm sure would be happy to have another set of hands in exchange for some knowledge transfer. I am also mid-renovation on one of my units, not at quite the blistering pace as he is but would be happy to chat real estate with you. Shoot me a message and we can get in touch.

@Junior Louis, congrats. Any particular reason for the attorney search or are you just looking to have one handy? Your agent might be able to recommend an attorney.

Hey @Cameron Jordan, welcome to Biggerpockets! Great suggestions so far from everyone here. I'm also a big fan of househacking. Typically the numbers I've seen, duplex in Delaware county you may end up paying a bit out of pocket, triplex you can usually net a bit of cashflow while living there, quadplex typically should cashflow as you live there. Either way, it is an excellent way to dip your toes into real estate investing.

I purchased a triplex last year as my first home and investment property and am so glad I did. It's been a great learning experience and I've made a lot of good industry contacts along the way while renovating it. Coupled with the fact that someone is paying for my housing...great way to get started. Shoot me a message if you want to chat or have any questions.

Welcome to Biggerpockets @Alicia H.! I agree with @Yuriy Skripnichenko, absolutely confirm the information regarding the HOA and PM company prior to locking yourself into the purchase. It's too easy for people to pass misinformation around so I always try to go directly to the main source of the info for confirmation.

I wouldn't necessarily "run away as far as you can" but absolutely do as much due diligence as possible. You'll thank yourself later. Let me know if there's anything I can help with regarding comps or neighborhood info.@Alicia H.