All Forum Posts by: Kerlous Tadres

Hey @Vitaliy Zima, you can’t advertise one rent to the public and then charge a higher one just because the tenant has a voucher that’ll cause issues. List the property at the rent you’d accept from any tenant. If a Section 8 applicant comes along, the Housing Authority will conduct its inspection and notify you of its approval. So instead of $1,500 on Zillow and $1,900 for Section 8, just pick the rent you’re comfortable with ($1,900 if that’s your target) and stick with it. That way, you stay compliant and avoid fair housing problems.

Hey @Edward Dandrea, From my experience, out-of-state can work really well if you build the right team. The biggest factor is management interview a few companies, ask for investor references, and pay attention to how quickly they respond. That’s usually a good preview of how they’ll handle tenants. Be careful with the super cheap houses. A $25k place can look great on paper, but if you’re sinking $20k into repairs and dealing with constant tenant turnover, it’s not worth it. Sometimes paying more in a stronger neighborhood means steadier rent and less stress.

I’d also recommend networking with local investors in Facebook groups, BiggerPockets forums, or even asking your PM to connect you with current clients. You’ll learn fast what areas to avoid and who’s actually reliable. Start with one property as a test run, keep your process tight (rent collection, repairs, communication), then scale once you’re confident.

Hey Jeff, I would say you can find a decent amount of opportunities in the winter, and more so, I think it's about what deals the agent could provide 

Hey @Garrett Ian Dean! I get where you’re coming from. The best first step is a house hack if you can live in one unit of a duplex or triplex and rent the others so tenants cover most of your costs. When running numbers, focus on rent minus mortgage, taxes, insurance, and a reserve for repairs/vacancy. If it still cash flows positively, it’s worth a closer look. To find good areas, I’d recommend checking where rental demand is strong near hospitals, colleges, or major employers and tracking rents on Zillow or Rentometer to confirm. And definitely connect with investors who already own rentals or flips. You’ll learn way more from their real experiences than from any book or podcast.

Hey @Stevan Stojakovic! I’ve helped several out-of-state investors pick up rentals without flying in first. It really comes down to having someone local you can trust to walk the property, dig into the numbers, and give you honest feedback on the neighborhood. If you can make one trip out, that’s always best.

Hey @Charlene Livers! That mindset comes from “gurus” and social media, making real estate look like easy money. The reality is that every deal takes capital, time, and a willingness to take on risk. Creative financing can work, but lenders and partners still want to see skin in the game. What I’d recommend to new investors is to start smaller, maybe house hack, join a Venture with someone experienced, or build credit and reserves first.

Hey @Craig Cann! I’d say if you’re just starting out, stick with local. It cuts out travel costs, lets you handle renos yourself, and you’ll build real experience without profits getting eaten up. Once you’ve got a system, then branch out. Out-of-market works best when you’ve got your “Core 4” (agent, PM, contractor, lender) in place; you don’t want to be hopping on planes for every repair. When researching a new market, I’d recommend calling a few property managers. They’ll tell you which zip codes rent fast, which ones to avoid, and what realistic rents look like. Pair that with checking crime maps, school ratings, and even Zillow rental comps. For finding a solid agent, BiggerPockets is a good starting point.

I’ve seen property managers come into play with flips, but usually only if the project turns into a hold. Most flippers just get in, rehab, and sell; no need for management. But if you’re renting it out for a year or running it as a short-term rental to cover holding costs, a PM can add value by handling tenants and maintenance. Just make sure you budget for the fees since they’ll eat into margins. In markets with strong rental demand, having that backup plan can be smart.

Hey @Kevin Dehesa! From my experience, starting with a duplex is a smart move you get a hands-on feel for managing rentals without being overwhelmed, and you can live in one unit to offset your costs if you want. Running rental comps in the city is key; make sure you’re looking at actual rent prices for similar units, not just asking prices. As for cash flow, focus on areas with stable rental demand and low vacancy rates. That usually gives you the best consistent returns. 

Personally, I’d recommend doing the numbers conservatively: assume some vacancies and repairs. If your cash flow still works, you’re in a good spot.