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All Forum Posts by: Kelsey VanSleen

Kelsey VanSleen has started 2 posts and replied 30 times.

Post: Brand new investor

Kelsey VanSleenPosted
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 14
Quote from @Tanner Lewis:

Hey Jeremy, the best strategies for high cash flow will also be riskier. The riskiest strategies that have the highest projected income are flipping and short-term rentals, behind that, BRRRRing, and behind that is turn-key cash flowing long term rentals. Of course, many other strategies exist, but these are the basics. 

As a first-time investor, I HIGHLY suggest going with a turnkey long-term rental, and once you begin to learn how to master that strategy, you can branch out into another. It is best first to master the basics, even if it takes longer to make a significant profit. I have seen too many first-time investors try to gut and rehab a house and find themselves underwater on the deal. 


 Considering the concept "you make money when you buy" how would you reconcile that against your recommendation that a new investor starts with a turnkey rental vs a property that needs even minimal work so there's equity in the property after repairs/upgrades?

New to RE investing and learning about different financing options to fuel my flipping business. How feasible is it to have an offer accepted utilizing seller financing for non-REO properties with the intention to flip? It feels like this would be like asking a seller to be a HML because you'd have to offer a higher interest over a shorter period of time. New to this financing avenue and curious what the BP community thinks.

Context: I live in COS but plan is to start flipping in Pueblo to build equity and experience. Likely going to start with private equity from family/friends but exploring other financing options to quickly scale once I get going.

Thank you in advance!

Post: First Fix & Flip - Need some advise.

Kelsey VanSleenPosted
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 14
Quote from @Alan F.:
Quote from @Elizabeth Naranjo:

Hi there,

I bought an investment property in Colorado in mid-may. I live in Florida but I know someone in Colorado who is a GC and I hired them to do the reno. Property is in the best neighborhood in Denver, and it was funded with some cash I had and a hard money loan. Loan includes money for the construction. House needed a full reno. Roof, windows, HVAC, kitchen, bathrooms, etc. My GC said we only needed a permit for the roof but when I submitted the paperwork for my first draw the lender asked me for permits for the HVAC and the interior work that is being done which is significant. So now I am stuck as I am not able to recover the money already spent to continue the project and I am concerned that not only this project is going to cost more morning but also my profit margin is shrinking as more time passes by to pull permits and now a can of worms has been opened not sure where to go from here. Someone suggested that I borrow the construction money elsewhere and forget about the construction funds that I was going to borrow from the hard money lender. I am seeking advice from experienced investors as to what the best approach would be in this situation.

In mid-May, I purchased an investment property in Colorado despite residing in Florida. Fortunately, I have a connection in Colorado who is a general contractor (GC), and I engaged their services for the renovation. The property is located in Denver's finest neighborhood, and the purchase was financed partly with my savings and a hard money loan that included provisions for construction costs. The house required extensive renovations including the roof, windows, HVAC system, kitchen, bathrooms, and more.

Initially, my GC advised that only a permit for the roof was necessary. However, when I submitted paperwork for my first loan draw, the lender requested permits not only for the roof but also for the significant interior work underway, such as HVAC installations. Consequently, I find myself in a predicament where I cannot recover the funds already spent to proceed with the project. I am worried not only about escalating costs but also about diminishing profit margins due to delays in obtaining permits. This situation has unexpectedly complicated matters, and I am unsure of the best course of action moving forward.

One suggestion I've received is to secure construction financing from an alternative source and forego the construction funds from the hard money lender. I am reaching out to seasoned investors for advice on the optimal approach in this challenging situation.

Thanks in advance,

Liz


 Most building departments have website outlining permit requirements, or you could just call them. How were the prints approved without permits? You needed to know this and certainly any GC would know this.

Get permits, talk to your HML and work it out.


Prints as in blueprints? How is that different from the scope of work, which is what I've heard you need for renos? Arent blueprints for new construction or when changing the floorplan? And who approves these? The HML or the city? Thank you in advance!

Quote from @Kevin Ivey:

@kelsey VanSleen

no there is no need for a GC license if the subs have contractor licenses.  Because they aren't really subs at that point just their own contractor not under another persons license.  Most municipality want the license # listed on the permit application. And inspections may have to be done for each individual contractor since they are responsible for their own work.  But honestly with all the counties and different little cities there are a ton of different ways things are regulated, and sometimes depends on the permit office mood and empathy.  

This makes sense, thank you!
Quote from @Kevin Ivey:

Depends on how extensive the remodel work is, a cosmetic flip paint, trim, cabinets, vanities don't trigger permits here in WA state.  Then you can have the specialist sub pull permits for their work under their license, plumbing, electrical, roofing, etc.. 

 This is what I was wondering @Andrew Tinnon. Or am I not understanding the nuance you are discussing here? Why the need for a GC license if licensed subs do the work?

Quote from @Andrew Tinnon:

Hello,

I am currently located in the Denver, Colorado area, looking to start doing some fix and flips to generate some extra income and eventually transition to a full time real estate investor. 

One of the biggest limitations I am seeing in the fix and flip market, at least in Colorado, is the requirement of a registered contractor to be on the permit for a rehab project. I have experience in construction and rehab projects so would plan on doing a lot of my own work and subcontracting out the rest to save money vs the alternative of hiring a contractor to do the whole project. 

I'm seeing that a lot of the municipalities will allow homeowners to submit building permits, but will place limitations on residency requirements and property types (i.e., not allowed on townhomes or condos, must be primary residence for 1 year). I am weighing the benefits of trying to get my contractors license as I am experienced in construction, but don't think this would be an easy process and it would be ideally avoided. 

Does anyone have any suggestions for how to get around these restrictions, or know which if any municipalities don't have these kind of restrictions?

Thanks for your help, always looking to make connections, so feel free to reach out to me directly. 

Hi Andrew! I'm new to RE and I'm in Colorado Springs!!! I did not know this about registered contractors on the permit. If you managed the work yourself and subbed out the work to registered contractors, does that suffice since only certain work requires a permit?

Thanks for the info on CO laws!

Post: Buying Foreclosures, best strategy

Kelsey VanSleenPosted
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 14
Quote from @Ty Coutts:

Hey Jacob,

Hiring a real estate attorney can be a smart move, especially for navigating the legal complexities involved in purchasing foreclosed properties. They can help with title searches, ensuring all liens are cleared, and handling any legal issues that may arise during the process. However, it obviously comes with a fee. So consider your expenses! As for foreclosure strategies, thorough research is key. Look for properties with potential for value appreciation, understand local market conditions, and be prepared with financing options. Attending auctions, negotiating directly with banks, and exploring short sales are all viable strategies depending on your investment goals and risk tolerance. Another effective approach can be targeting pre-foreclosure properties where you negotiate directly with distressed homeowners before the property goes to auction. This allows for potentially lower purchase prices and more flexible terms. Hope this helps. Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions, would like to discuss financing options, or if you need help analyzing some deals!


When hiring a RE attorney to help with the research you mentioned (title search, liens, etc) when starting out, would this be done before making an offer or a part of your due diligence while under contract? Appreciate your insights!

Post: Buying Foreclosures, best strategy

Kelsey VanSleenPosted
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 14
Quote from @Hunter Stoudnour:

Hey Jacob,

A good real estate attorney is invaluable if you’re going to take on this venture. There is a lot of useful information and individuals right here from whom you might be able to gather most of what you need. However, a local attorney can provide insights into specific local real estate laws and ordinances. I would recommend contacting your local government and requesting a list of properties with back taxes, then start analyzing the areas where you think you can add value.

 @Hunter Stoudnour do you take on the responsibility of said back taxes once you own the property? I'm new to this and find this strategy interesting. Appreciate your insights on this!

Post: Hard money loans

Kelsey VanSleenPosted
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 14
Quote from @Ekaterina Lansky:

Text me, there is a new platform to connect with hard loan lenders that offer very competitive rates!

That would be great! Can you provide the hard money lenders platform here so all can benefit?

Post: Hard money loans

Kelsey VanSleenPosted
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 14
Quote from @Mary Ainsworth:
Quote from @Ty Clemmons:

I recently flipped my first property and it was a cash purchase. I want to start flipping houses with hard money loans. I want to get tips on the steps to obtain a hard money loan.


 Hi Ty, 

Here's what I'd say for advice:

- Understand the loan terms thoroughly. Pay attention to interest rates, fees, loan-to-value ratios, and repayment schedules

- Have a clear exit strategy. Know how you'll repay the loan, whether by selling the property quickly or refinancing with a traditional mortgage.

- Focus on the property's potential value. Hard money lenders are more interested in the after-repair value (ARV) of the property than your personal finances.

- Have some skin in the game. Many hard money lenders require 30-40% of the project costs as a down payment. I only require 10-20%, so let me know if you'd like to also get a quote from me 

- Communicate regularly with your lender. Keep them updated on the project's progress, especially if you encounter any unexpected issues or delays.

- Consider using hard money loans as a bridge to longer-term financing if you're planning to keep the property as a rental. DSCR loans are great for that!

    Remember, hard money loans are typically short-term (3-18 months), so make sure your flip timeline aligns with the loan terms. Lastly, always have a backup plan in case the project doesn't go as expected.


     I've heard of people taking on $0 down hard money loans, but I'm seeing much larger down payment requirements in this post. What's the difference? Is it just harder to find $0 down hard money loans?