All Forum Posts by: Laura MacDonald

My husband recently lost his job so we are currently without an income. I am therefore looking for something that would create immediate income (ie a job), but one that would help move my investing/retirement goals forward.  Meaning I would learn a lot that I can use and apply to that.  My background...topped out sales compensation plans in both companies I did sales for, including in a global role for a anti-virus software company, selling to the world's largest telco's.  Volunteered to help some real estate professionals I heard at a seminar (wanted to learn all I could), and used what I learned to do several large land flips on my own, locating the off-market properties and negotiating with seller; later packaging and marketing them and negotiating sales.  Currently own 13 doors (SMF), all of which pay for themselves plus a bit extra, but nothing to live off of (or even close to that).  THEN, I adopted 4 kids from Haiti and Guatemala and somehow 17 years have gone by......  

Any ideas or suggestions for something in really ANY aspect of the industry that would create immediate and relatively significant cash-flow (still raising 4 teens, and have a decent sized budget to cover every month) with my background??  Ideally something that would help me learn more that I could apply to obtaining retirement goals (significant passive cash-flow)? 

Thanks in advance.

Quote from @Bob S.:

Quote from @Laura MacDonald:

Hi.  I am looking to identify a strategy for my real estate investing this year.  Specifically my #1 goal is cash-flow.  Due to my age (49), I need a strategy that will produce the ability to cash-flow quicker than the longer-term buy-and-hold strategy.  I currently own 13 doors (SMF).  I have done large land flips and some land development work in the past.  Given the current landscape of high interest rates, and prices where they are, I am looking for any creative ideas/suggestions that might help me formulate a plan to hit my goals?  A combination of short-term cash creation to invest in larger SMF for the cash-flow? Anything much more creative than that?  I am open to investing anywhere, and am a major 'doer' once I can wrap my head around a plan.  Thanks in advance.  Laura

 Just find a market that has the 1- 2% rule., I recently picked up a nice 3/2 for all in 60kish, rent will be 1400, taxes only 2kish, value about 125k, not to bad. Its all about you network 

All the best  

Hi Bob, I would love to connect... I have put together an extensive list of markets to evaluate and am having a difficult time finding anything that comes close to that 1-2%.  Thanks for your reply.

Hi.  I am looking to identify a strategy for my real estate investing this year.  Specifically my #1 goal is cash-flow.  Due to my age (49), I need a strategy that will produce the ability to cash-flow quicker than the longer-term buy-and-hold strategy.  I currently own 13 doors (SMF).  I have done large land flips and some land development work in the past.  Given the current landscape of high interest rates, and prices where they are, I am looking for any creative ideas/suggestions that might help me formulate a plan to hit my goals?  A combination of short-term cash creation to invest in larger SMF for the cash-flow? Anything much more creative than that?  I am open to investing anywhere, and am a major 'doer' once I can wrap my head around a plan.  Thanks in advance.  Laura

I realize this is a very broad/general question, but I am looking to buy small MF in Colorado and am at a loss for where to focus my efforts....is there ANYWHERE, any secondary or tertiary markets, where cash flow is possible??  Any ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated!  Thank you in advance!

What areas/neighborhoods would you recommend I focus my search? I am looking for small multi-family, 3-8 units, that cash-flows.  Class B properties, ideally.  Areas in transition are ok.  I am looking for an investor-friendly and experienced reator, as well as recommendations for areas to focus my search.  Thank you in advance!

What are the primary economic factors affecting the Pueblo market right now? Meaning does anyone know if there are new employers moving into the area? etc?  Trying to determine where in CO to invest and am just starting to look at Pueblo.  TIA!

I am about to close on a cash-out re-fi and as I was reading thru the loan docs, saw this clause which is something I have never seen before.  Is this common in a loan for a 4-plex?? This is a 30-year fixed rate cash-out loan on a 4plex from LendingOne.

@Jaron Walling  Thank you.  I am not living on cash-flow, but would like to keep it open as an option for the relatively short-term future.  I have been out of the 'corporate world' for the last 15 years as I have raised my 4 internationally adopted children (2 with significant special needs).  So getting back in (with a W2 job) is proving VERY VERY difficult! My husband ran his own business for the last 12+ years which he lost recently, and he is finding the same thing....stepping back into the corporate world after so many years out is proving extremely challenging (and frustrating). 

Coming up with a strategy in this (very pricey) market is what I am having a hard time doing....any ideas or suggestions of what you would do with that equity (in addition to remodeling and getting up to market rents)?

Thanks for your time in responding.

I am just getting back 'into the game' after a decade long (unintentional) hiatus.  I find myself second-guessing my decisions/strategy/reasoning.  Would love any experienced wisdom or insights, based on the following:
- I own 2 4-plexes.  Current loans about $190k each, current appraised as-is value about $825k each, current rate 4.5%
- I do not have w2 income and cannot qualify for a FMae/FMac loan
- Each building need about $50k in maintenance/upgrades which would allow me to increase rents about 40%
- My goals are cash-flow cash-flow and cash-flow; longer-term equity is also a goal

I have the ability to re-finance with the following (these are details for one of the buildings...I assume i could do the same on the other as well):
- 30 year fixed, 4%, $400k total loan amount (I could go higher but am concerned about the higher monthly payment eating into my cash-flow....not sure if I am being short-sighted on this??)
- The total cost of the re-fi will be about $17k (title, fees, appraisal, buy-down, origination, etc)

Here is my bottom line question....should i move forward with the re-finance? Those who are more experienced, what would you do?? Is the $17k cost of the re-fi worth it?? 

TIA!

Laura

I have 2 4-plex's in Tacoma area that I am looking to re-fi.  I have not been active in the area in a while, and am looking for a title company to work with.  Obviously cost is a big consideration (don't want a bunch of additional junk fees), as is responsiveness, reliability and quality of work.  Any recommendations of a good title company I can work with for these re-fi's as well as (hopeful) future transactions?