All Forum Posts by: Julia Lyrberg

Hi Andre,
You're definitely on the right track with house hacking and focusing on "base hits" instead of waiting for a "home run." An FHA loan to force appreciation is a smart move, and with $100K saved, you're in a great spot. Connecting with local Denver investors could give you solid insight on neighborhoods and ROI.

Hi Brandon,

It’s great to hear you’re looking to leverage your home equity for real estate investing! The best strategy depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and how hands-on you want to be. 

Have you decided on the specific market you want to invest in? If you’re considering out-of-state investing, starting with long-term rentals might be a smart move. They’re generally easier to manage and can help you gain valuable experience in property management.

When you're ready to scale up and try strategies like the BRRRR method out of state, it's crucial to have a strong local network. Make sure you're connected with reliable contractors and property managers who can act as your boots on the ground to keep everything running smoothly.

Hi Ryan, like @Nathan Gesner mentioned, it's important to be selective when choosing people to partner with. A strong partnership is built on trust, shared values, and aligned goals, so it's not something to rush into.

I recommend attending in-person networking events to meet like-minded individuals. Focus on building genuine friendships and strong relationships rather than jumping straight into partnership discussions. By getting to know someone’s work ethic, goals, and character over time, you’ll be in a much better position to determine if they’re a good fit for a long-term collaboration. Partnerships can be incredibly rewarding, but only when built on a solid foundation. Take your time—it’s worth it in the long run!

Hi Denny, Welcome to BP Pro! For estimating rehab costs, check out the BiggerPockets calculators and forums—they're great resources. You can also create a basic scope of work and get ballpark estimates from contractors or use cost-per-square-foot averages for your area.

To determine ARV, look at recently sold comparable properties in the area that are similar in size, style, and condition to what your property will be post-renovation. Tools like Zillow, Redfin, or even MLS data (if you have access) can help.

Good Luck!

I wouldn’t necessarily call it a mistake. Buying a single-family home can be a great starting point for new investors to learn the ropes and property management basics. There’s nothing wrong with playing it safe, starting small, mastering your strategy, and then scaling up—especially when using other people’s money.

That said, as others have mentioned, house hacking is a fantastic strategy. It helps lower monthly living costs while building equity, making a 2+ unit property a solid option as well. Ultimately, it depends on each investor’s risk tolerance. Both strategies offer valuable lessons, but the last thing you want is for a beginner to overleverage themselves and take on more than they can handle.

Hi Cole, welcome to BiggerPockets! You and your friends have a great mix of skills and having a mentor is a huge advantage. For partnerships, make sure to have clear roles and a written agreement to avoid issues.

With student housing, focus on durable renovations and solid lease agreements to handle turnover. For holding vs. flipping, let your goals and market conditions guide you—flipping can build quick capital, but holding offers long-term gains. Right now, focus on learning, networking, and landing your first deal. You’re off to a great start—good luck!

Hi Jose, Welcome to the Bigger Pockets community!

Hi Seth! Starting out-of-state investing is a smart way to get into real estate without needing a ton of capital in high-cost markets like Seattle. For stable markets, consider places in the Midwest or Southeast where properties are more affordable and rental demand is strong. Many investors connect with property managers, realtors, and contractors remotely, but visiting the market at least once to meet key people can help build trust. Start by narrowing down a market, researching local teams, and setting clear investment goals. Good luck on your journey!

Hi Youseff, great to hear you're thinking about starting virtual wholesaling! Since you already have experience finding off-market deals, you're off to a solid start. For beginners, focus on markets with lower entry costs, high investor activity, and steady demand—like parts of the Midwest or the Southeast. To get started, you’ll need a good understanding of assigning contracts (check your state’s laws), a solid buyer’s list, and marketing tools to connect with motivated sellers. Best of luck!

Hi Rae, i'd recommend joining local Facebook groups. There's many off-market deals posted directly by sellers or wholesalers!