All Forum Posts by: Kara Smits

@Tyler M.  Nice work with the spreadsheet, now you know that FI is possible! As someone in a very similar situation (Houstonian, engineer, FI-driven) but a couple of years in, I would like to offer a few tips:

Don't limit your RE investments to what you would want to rent, young professional areas will not bring you the best returns in Houston. I would stick toward your second condition, great schools in the suburbs. Although the deals are harder to find now, perhaps with some effort you can find a deal with the cash you have on a SFH in the suburbs of Houston or San Antonio.

Start focusing on analyzing RE deals, not analyzing your finances. Soon enough you will find one that works for you!

Hi @Khizar Hanif,  I am also a fellow UH grad.  Welcome to BP and go coogs!  I am in the same boat as you, been lurking around and not getting in the action, but it's time to change that for sure.

I own houses in the suburbs on the north side (Spring and Tomball) and it took 1-2 months to fill each of them when they were last vacant.  I also had to drop rent to fill them.

You are asking for a lot, closer to the loop+good schools+new would be difficult in that price range and impossible to cash flow.  If you are not very concerned about cash flow you could find houses in Tomball, Spring and possibly Katy that fit your needs.