All Forum Posts by: Justin Lacsamana

@Twana Rasoul

Thank you for the thought and effort in your welcome post! I totally agree with you that most think it is very expensive to live here, and I believe there is a solution for everything. House Hacking is definitely one of the solutions to that challenge.

I am so excited to jump in and learn from my first property. But you do bring me back to being methodical with my approach and level with my decisions. I should always be prepared to have saved up reserves before getting started and have a solid exit strategy.

I peeped your profile and see that you're so credible when it comes down to investment properties in San Diego. When's the next time you're having an event? I would love to join and bring friends along.

Thank you everyone

Hello Bigger Pockets Family!

I'm Justin and I am a San Diego native, born and raised in sunny San Diego. I've never really thought to be financially responsible and kind of just worked and pay bills. But I recently came across a great opportunity where I got to start my own business and make money in the 6 figures for the past year and a half. 

I'm one of those people that never made money before, and fell victim to lifestyle creep with the more money I made. Made some decent money and realized I have nothing to show for it. I have immigrant parents that know I'm making money and ask me to help them out, and I couldn't even do that as much as I would like. 

That's so embarrassing. So I knew I had to make a change. I knew I wanted to be smarter with my money. So last year, I go on youtube to find out more about financial literacy and came across channels like Graham Stephan and of course Bigger Pockets. I am so hooked on learning real estate strategies that can give you back money and time. Everything from the BRRRR strategy, house hacking, airbnb, etc etc.

So many directions to go with real estate. I know I need to get very specific about what I want to do and just go for it. I want to buy small multifamily, live in one unit and rent out the rest. And then move out after 6 months to a year to rent out the unit I've been occupying. I talked to a couple real estate agents already, and a couple of lenders, and I went to check out a couple of properties to just get the train moving. I'm okay with not cash flowing right away as long as there's cash flow in a couple of years and appreciation.

But the challenge I'm facing is that I haven't had my business for 2 full years yet. And also, even though I'm making $10,000+ a month take home with my business, I never saved a lot of that because I never thought about being smart with my money until recently. So it looks bad in the eyes of lenders. 

So as I continue learning from bigger pockets and looking for mentors, do I just have to wait and make things look better before I can start investing? 

Also, lets meet up San Diego! Lets get a beer and talk real estate. 

My dude, most markets will either give you good cash flow or good appreciation. And you got a little bit of both right here. 

You got a house for $0 down with your VA Loan, and it appreciated in value, and it cashflows, and its in southern california? Wow, I wish I could find something like that...

I’m about to check one of these out today. I’m curious about exit strategy and what kind of ownership rights do I have. Can I get in touch with your brother to find out more about his experience?

I’m about to check one of these out today. I’m curious about exit strategy and what kind of ownership rights do I have. Can I get in touch with your friend to find out more about his experience?