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All Forum Posts by: Jonathon Cornell

Jonathon Cornell has started 3 posts and replied 10 times.

Hi all. I'm relatively new to investing. I'm looking to explore the market in Iowa, Des Moines, specifically. I would like to gain more information with those that either work in the area or are currently invested there. Thanks so much for the help in advance.

I agree with Bethany... hand written notes can do wonders. It's, cheap and easy to do. The photos were a really good idea I hadn't thought of. 

I am currently in the process of seeking off market deals and I have been writing letters to different property owners. I mailed 9 letters today. The only other thing I would add to Bethany's reply is, you may not get a response quickly. Persistence is often necessary when sending letters.

Good luck!

Thanks everyone for all the advice. You guys are amazing! 

I have started mailing letters to homes today! I sent 17 letters today and plan to continue tomorrow. 

Thanks again!

@Jules Aton Thank you for your reply. I plan to continue seeking deals and I think everyone who has replied is exactly right in stating that I need to be putting more low offers out there. Really appreciate this community!

Quote from @Drew Sygit:

@Jonathon Cornell also going to challenge you on your statement that there's nothing in your area.

How did you find your current home?

Guessing you bought it off the MLS 5 years ago - when it was EASY to find deals.

Deals are much harder to find now, so you'll have to put in more effort!!!

I can't remember the last time we paid asking price or market value for a property.
- You will NOT make money in this business paying asking or market prices.

Recommend you pursue two strategies:

1) Start running the numbers BACKWARDS on properties you like. 
- Figure out market rents, deduct property taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancy, etc. and plug remainder into a mortgage calculator for a mortgage amount. Add your down payment amount and that's the MAX you offer! Who cares what the seller is asking, you only buy at the price that makes you money!

2) Start networking on your favotire social media channel and tell everyone what you do and what you are looking for. Ask if anyone knows someone needing to sell fast. 
- Keep doing this WEEKLY with different messages and examples.

You do these two things over and over and over again and you will find a deal in the next 90-120 days.


 Thanks so much for your reply, Drew. This is great advice that I plan to implement starting today. 

Hi, Kate! Thanks for the reply and the advice! I will need to do some more research and really work on building connections! Thanks!

I'm looking some advice and strategies to pursue purchasing homes that are currently not listed for sale. 

What are some strategies that have yielded results?

What kind of timeframe should I expect to build a deal?

Thanks in advance, everyone!

Thanks for the reply, Aaron. I will need to keep an eye out in Madison. Madison is about 1.5 hours away from where I live and work my regular job. 

Thank you for the reply, Nicholas. "Any opportunities" was likely an overstatement. I currently reside in a very rural area. (Population of 5,000 people) To answer some of your questions, I have been through 20 properties in the last 2-3 weeks and I have only made two offers. I would really like to house hack again because, as I mentioned, it worked out really well for me the first time. I am looking off market and trying to develop connections in my community through talking with other investors and homeowners of single family homes. 

I have been house hacking for the last 5 years on a duplex that I bought in 2021. My Duplex is currently cash flowing while I live in it. I am looking to expand my portfolio and purchase another property that could cash flow. Where I have hit a brick wall is, there aren't any investment opportunities locally (within one hour driving from me). My question is, should I explore potential investments elsewhere, or is it not worth the hassle? Should I be patient and wait for an investment opportunity near me to open up before I attempt to expand my portfolio? For context, I am 25 years old and feel that I am falling behind waiting for the perfect deal. Thanks in advance.