All Forum Posts by: Kyle Mccaw

@Kevin Apolinario

Congratulations on taking the steps toward your first real estate investment! Austin is a fantastic market, with its growing tech presence and vibrant culture, making it a great choice for your future career. House hacking is an excellent strategy, especially with the potential to use an FHA loan to secure a property with a low down payment. For connecting with local resources like mortgage brokers, investors, and agents, the Austin Real Estate Investors Association (REIA) is a great starting point. Networking in these groups will help you build connections and possibly uncover off-market deals.

Wishing you the best of luck on your move and house-hacking journey! Austin's real estate market is challenging but rewarding, and you're well on your way to success.

@Cameron Moore with ProCo is my insurance agent In Texas and I believe he writes in Oklahoma also. I know he covers a ton of states.

@Asim G. 

It’s true that many property management companies are now incorporating tenant benefit packages as part of their offerings. These typically include services like renters insurance, HVAC filter delivery, pest control, and sometimes utility management. While it might feel like an extra charge to tenants, these packages often provide value that indirectly benefits the property owner as well—like reduced maintenance calls or ensuring the property is better protected.

In my experience managing a large portfolio of properties, these fees are becoming more common due to the thin margins in property management. That said, not all companies have these programs. Some, like ours, focus on offering optional services such as renters insurance or washer/dryer rentals without requiring tenants to opt into a full package.

When choosing a property manager, I recommend asking about the structure and purpose of any fees. Some packages genuinely improve property performance, while others might feel excessive. Transparency and value are key—both for you as the owner and your tenants.

@Bruce Bennett 

It's great that you're being cautious when researching DSCR lenders! Scammers do exist, and it's smart to verify a lender's legitimacy before moving forward.

Check Reviews and References: Look for reviews on trusted platforms like BiggerPockets or Google. Reach out to fellow investors in your area to see who they've worked with. Local references are invaluable because those lenders have proven themselves in your market.

Work with Reputable Companies: Some well-known DSCR lenders with a solid reputation include Lima One Capital, LendingOne, Kiavi, RCN Capital, Visio Lending, and Easy Street Capital. These names frequently come up in investor circles because of their reliability.

Speak Directly to Their Team: Legitimate lenders will have knowledgeable representatives willing to explain their loan products and processes in detail. Pay attention to how professional and transparent they are.

Avoid Pressure Tactics: Scammers often pressure you to act quickly. A good lender will give you the time to review terms and ask questions.

@Hillary Henzler-Buckingham

Great question! Identifying non-owner-occupied properties can be a game-changer for finding investment opportunities. Here are a few tools and strategies you can use:

1. Local MLS: Many MLS systems offer a "non-owner-occupied" search filter. This can help you locate properties flagged as rentals or second homes based on tax records. If you're not an agent, consider partnering with one who can run these searches for you.
2. PropStream: This software is excellent for gathering detailed property data, including ownership information, tax records, and whether a property is listed as non-owner-occupied. It’s widely used by real estate investors.
3. Propelio: Another fantastic tool that provides access to public records and allows for targeted searches, including absentee owners. Propelio is especially popular in Texas, so if you're investing in areas like Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, or Frisco, it’s worth exploring.
4. Public Property Records: County appraisal districts (CADs) often have free online tools to search properties by owner name or address. Many also flag mailing addresses that differ from the property address, which can indicate a rental or second home.
5. Skip Tracing Services: If you’re looking for contact information for non-owner-occupied properties, skip tracing tools can provide additional details like phone numbers and emails. Just be sure to use this information responsibly.
6. Networking with Local Professionals: Build relationships with property managers, title companies, and real estate agents who might already have insights into the non-owner-occupied market.

By leveraging these tools, you can gather reliable data and streamline your search for investment properties. If you’re in Texas, platforms like Propelio and the CAD websites are particularly effective. Happy investing!

@Joanne Roundtree I would call one of your local wholesalers and ask what title office they plan to close at. 

I will message you his contact info.

@James Tobin yes FHA will be a very low downpayment option for you. Andrew will know best.

@James Tobin  house hacking is a GREAT way to start. I started with a duplex. But those are rare in DFW. It's doesn't have to be 20% downpayment for a owner occupied home. Dude, you're paying rent to someone. Make that rent payment out to you and pick up a roommate. You should to talk to @Andrew Postell He is the best mortgage guy for this.

@Tannia Castro

Welcome to the exciting world of rental property investing, Tannia! You're taking a great first step by joining this group and seeking guidance. Here are some tips to help you start on the right path:

1. Education Is Key
   Invest in yourself first by reading or listening to books and podcasts about real estate investing. The BiggerPockets community has excellent book recommendations, such as The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner. You'll gain valuable insights into evaluating deals, financing, and managing properties.
2. Local Networking
   Plug into local investor meetups in your area, the Pensacola area should have tons of groups. These groups are goldmines for finding mentors, reliable vendors, and other investors to learn from.
3. Property Management
   Choosing the right property management company can make or break your experience. Look for a team with a strong track record in managing rentals like yours, especially in your target area. A good manager will handle everything from marketing to maintenance and tenant screening, saving you time and stress.
4. Vendors and Landscaping
   Building a team of dependable vendors—like landscaping companies, contractors, and insurance agents—is critical. Look for professionals who understand the unique needs of real estate investors. For example, I often recommend working with vendors who specialize in rental property maintenance or have experience with rental landscaping to keep your property looking great without overspending.
5. Start Small and Smart
   Focus on buying a property that fits your budget and investing goals. Evaluate potential rental properties with a keen eye on location, cash flow, and potential appreciation. In areas like Frisco, Plano, or Arlington, proximity to major employers and universities like TCU or SMU can make a big difference.
6. Stay Curious and Persistent
   Real estate investing is a marathon, not a sprint. There’s no single right answer to every situation, but the more you educate yourself and build your network, the more confident you'll become.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask questions here, no matter how small they seem. The real estate community is full of experienced investors happy to share their knowledge. Best of luck on your journey, and remember, delayed gratification is your best friend in this business!