All Forum Posts by: Julia Lyrberg

Hi Jean, welcome to BiggerPockets!

Hi Joshua! $100k is a great start, but in LA, it won't go very far, especially if you're looking to buy a duplex. Even with an FHA loan, the mortgage on a property there would be pretty high, and it might not be the best investment right now. You might want to look into investing out of state where your $100k will stretch a lot further. That way, you can get your foot in the door, start building equity, and stay at home a bit longer to save more money.

You could also consider the BRRRR method where you buy a fixer-upper, rehab it to add value, rent it out, and then refinance to pull your cash back out. It's a great way to make your money go further, build wealth, and learn the ins and outs of real estate investing along the way. Good Luck!

Hi Owen! It’s great that you’re starting to learn about real estate early! I found Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner to be very helpful. Podcasts like BiggerPockets are also fantastic for practical advice and inspiration. Once you graduate and have a steady income, consider house hacking as a beginner-friendly strategy—buying a small multifamily property, living in one unit, and renting out the others to offset your mortgage. In the meantime, focus on building your credit, saving for a down payment, and soaking up as much knowledge as you can.

Hi Brendan! Congratulations on starting your real estate journey! Given your situation, a property closer to Nashville might be more advantageous for short-term rentals like Airbnb, as proximity to a popular city typically attracts more guests and higher rental income. Have you looked into Mid term rentals? A mid-term rental could be an great option during the 6-7 months you're away since it appeals to traveling professionals, remote workers, or individuals relocating and offers stable income without the constant turnover of short-term rentals. MTRs often have lower management demands compared to platforms like Airbnb while still generating higher returns than long-term rentals.

Hi David! Starting out can feel overwhelming, but it's great that you're already thinking about risk management with vacancies. Many investors start with a multifamily property, like a duplex, as living in one unit and renting out the other can offset your mortgage and reduce vacancy concerns.

Take your time running the numbers and researching neighborhoods—you're off to a great start!

Hi Michael, Welcome to BP!

Starting with an owner-occupied duplex is a great way to get into real estate investing while keeping things manageable. Focusing on smaller multifamily properties needing light rehab is a smart approach for learning the ropes. I'd also recommend joining local real estate meetups or BiggerPockets groups to connect with agents, contractors, lenders etc. I'd be happy to connect!

Happy New Year Kevin, It sounds like you're in a good position to start your real estate journey! House hacking a quadplex in Orange County is ambitious but doable with patience and the right strategy. Exploring FHA loans makes sense for a low down payment, but keep in mind the competitive market may require some flexibility. For networking, check out local BiggerPockets meetups or real estate investor groups in Orange County. Best of luck!

Great insight! Focusing on what you can control, like consistent effort, really sets the foundation for success. It’s impressive to see how that mindset shift has paid off!

Happy New Year!

When choosing a location for your first rental, it’s great that you’re considering factors like crime rate, population growth, employment rate, and price-to-rent ratio—those are all key metrics. I’d also look at local amenities, school districts (if targeting families), and proximity to major employers or transportation hubs. Researching the area’s vacancy rates and future development plans can also give you insights into long-term potential. Best of luck with your search!

Hi Matthew! Sounds like you're in a good spot to keep growing! Before jumping into the condo, I'd take a closer look at whether the $300/month cash flow is worth it compared to other options, like a small multi-family property or a property in a higher-yield market. With the equity you've built and the cash you have, you could also explore a HELOC or refinancing to open up more opportunities.