All Forum Posts by: Julia Lyrberg

Visiting your target market at least once is a good move—it helps you get a sense of the area and meet your team in person. After that, most overseas investors don’t visit often and rely on a solid property manager and remote updates. Last-minute trips are pretty rare if you’ve got a good team in place. Stick to markets where you can set up strong support so you won’t need to be there in person much.

Hi LeOla, It’s great that you’re considering using your property as a starting point for real estate investing! Renting it out could work, especially with Section 8, as the guaranteed income could help cover most of your mortgage. However, being two months behind adds urgency. If you can’t secure a tenant quickly, selling might be a safer option to avoid further financial strain. You could use the equity from the sale to get back on track financially and reinvest in a more manageable property to kickstart your investing journey. Consider consulting with a local real estate agent or financial advisor to weigh your options.

Hi Shawn, welcome to BP!

I’d recommend starting with the BP podcast and books like The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner. Networking is also crucial for success in real estate, so look for local investor meetups or connect with others online. While real estate can feel overwhelming with all the strategies available, try to narrow down your focus early—like long-term rentals. Operating an LTR is quite different from managing a short-term rental , so I'd recommend focusing on mastering one strategy before expanding your portfolio. Best of luck!

You're off to a great start! If you have the time and energy it takes to wholesale, then that can be a good idea to build some capital and get your foot in the door. Networking is key—try connecting with local investors, joining real estate meetups, or hopping into online groups to learn more and build relationships.

Hi Csingh, Sorry to hear about the tenant issues—that can definitely be a difficult experience. Many investors from CA have found success in states like NV, AZ, and TX due to their more landlord-friendly laws and growing markets. Texas, for example, has strong rental demand and easier eviction processes, making it appealing for landlords. If you’re considering expanding your portfolio, those markets could be worth exploring. 

As @Bradley Buxton mentioned, you can make many markets work! 
Focus on areas with strong population and job growth—that's usually a good sign of demand. Since you're interested in MTRs, look for spots near hospitals, universities, or corporate hubs to attract traveling nurses or professionals. Also, check the local rental rules to make sure MTRs are allowed.

Hi Mike! It sounds like you have a solid plan with house hacking and using an FHA loan! When choosing a location, focus on markets with job growth, population increases, and a diverse economy. Sites like Census.gov or Zillow's market trends can give great insights. For your budget, Midwest cities like Columbus, Indianapolis, or Pittsburgh are solid options with affordable MFH properties and growth potential. Consider spending some time in these areas to get a feel for the market and see if you'd enjoy living there.

Hi Minnina, Getting started with rentals can feel overwhelming, but starting small and focusing on the basics is key. First, work on your credit—most lenders like to see a score of 660 or higher, but the better your score, the better your terms. A great beginner step is to read books like The BiggerPockets Rental Property Investing or listen to the BP podcast. Focus on learning about market analysis, cash flow calculations, and financing options. Once you feel more comfortable, start analyzing deals in your local market or an area you’re interested in investing in. The best way to learn is by doing, so don’t overthink it—just take it one step at a time!

Hi Jason! It sounds like you've done a great job setting yourself up for options. If it were me, I'd lean toward selling to take advantage of no capital gains tax and use the equity to fund your next primary residence and maybe a rental that actually cash flows. Holding onto a property with negative cash flow can be risky, especially with your ARM adjusting in a few years. Plus, with your market's rapid development, you could lock in your gains now while the market's strong. Option 1 seems like the safest and most flexible route.

You can do both! Networking locally in California is still a great way to learn, meet experienced investors, and get advice, even if you don’t plan to invest there. Once you pick an out-of-state market, start connecting with people there through online groups, virtual meetups, or local agents. Doing both will help you build a solid foundation and find the right opportunities.