All Forum Posts by: Laura Navaquin

Hi Adam, great question! We actually started in wholesaling over 10 years ago, so we always keep an eye out for deals when we’re out and about. Over the years, we’ve also built strong relationships with partners and now get a good number of referrals through our network.

I’d definitely recommend connecting with reliable wholesalers in your target areas, they can be a consistent source of quality deals. If you’re interested, we’d be happy to add you to our buyer network to help expand your opportunities.

Finding deals can definitely get tougher over time, but building and nurturing those relationships makes a big difference.

Hi Adam, 

Hi! Welcome to the investing journey, love your proactive approach to learning before jumping in. 

We’re also originally from NYC and now invest across six states, including Florida, with nearly ten properties in our portfolio in FL alone.

Your plan to start investing in Central Florida or Gainesville makes a lot of sense (thats mostly where we invest as well), especially since you want to be hands-on as an out-of-state investor. We’ve found that markets just outside the traditional tourist-heavy areas often offer better price-to-rent ratios and less volatility (when gettign started).

In Orlando’s greater area, neighborhoods like Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, and Ocoee have shown promising returns without the heavy tourist influence. Also, keep an eye on emerging suburbs where growth is steady but prices haven’t caught up yet.

Long-term single-family rentals are a solid strategy, just make sure you evaluate each neighborhood’s job market, schools, and infrastructure growth, as these drive rental demand and property appreciation.

If you want, I’m happy to share more specific market intel or connect.

Feel free to reach out anytime! We’re always happy to help fellow investors get started on the right foot.

Hi Veronica, thanks for reaching out! It’s great to hear you’re planning your first investment, exciting times ahead.

We’re also originally from NYC and now invest across six states, with nearly ten properties here, so we understand the importance of careful market analysis when stepping into new areas like Palm Bay.

Regarding Palm Bay, brand new construction at $340K with $2K monthly rent sounds promising on the surface, but as you noted, rental demand and turnover can vary a lot. The fact that some properties don't have an HOA could be a benefit, no extra fees, but sometimes a well-managed HOA can help maintain property values and curb appeal, which matters for long-term growth.

With HOA fees around $600 per year, that's relatively low and could be worth it if the HOA is active in maintaining common areas and enforcing standards. However, if the HOA is lax or fees are high without clear benefits, it might be better to consider properties without one.

As for the rental market and homes staying on the market longer, that’s definitely a red flag to dig deeper. It’s important to evaluate vacancy rates, local job growth, and demand drivers in Palm Bay. The 1% rule is a useful guideline but not absolute, some markets have different cash flow dynamics, so look at the bigger picture including appreciation potential.

Since you’re coming from NYC, also consider how you’ll manage the property, local property management can make or break your experience, especially when investing out-of-state; or do you plan to self manage? (We personally self manage most o four properties). 

If you want, I’d be happy to share more insights, etc.

Congrats again on taking this step! With the right research and strategy, you can make it work.

Hi Daniel, great question and welcome to exploring the Florida market!

You're absolutely right that Orlando can pose some challenges with condos: high HOA fees, insurance hikes, and limited short-term rental (STR) flexibility. These factors can definitely eat into cash flow.

If you're leaning toward condos, I'd recommend looking closely at HOA financials and bylaws, not just the fees. Some HOAs are better managed than others, and a healthy reserve fund can signal less risk of special assessments.

That said, if you're open to it, small multifamily properties (2–4 units) may offer better long-term upside and more flexibility. Even in Orlando, there are pockets where multifamily makes sense and STR or mid-term rentals (like traveling nurses or corporate stays) are allowed or easier to manage.

Another strategy some investors use is targeting "condo-like" townhomes without large HOAs or deed restrictions, they often offer similar affordability without the downsides.

Ultimately, Orlando still has great demand drivers (tourism, population growth, job market), so it’s all about aligning the property type and area with your investment goals.

Happy to dive deeper if you have specific properties or zip codes you’re considering! We personally invest in Orlando / Central FL, nearing 10 properties here. 

Just curious, what exactly does the $15K program include?
I totally get investing in education or mentorship where you’re gaining skills, but this sounds more like a done-for-you setup. 

It doesn't make sense that they would only charge you $15k to give a a 3-4x profit handed straight to you. 

Hello Sepehr, we are actually hosting one on June 28th in Park Slope (Brooklyn), can send you the information if interested.

Harry, 

Hey! Love that you’re diving into real estate and staying persistent, that’s huge. We actually scaled from 4 to 21 properties in just 17 months without using much of our own money, and it was all through OPM (Other People’s Money).

I’m doing a free webinar next week breaking it all down, real strategies, real numbers, and how you can get started even if you don’t have a lot of capital. Happy to send you the link if you’re interested!

But other than OPM, I would as well mention Novation, SUBTO, etc. 

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ATTN: Realtors, Investors, Wholesalers, Lenders, Contractors & Partners!

If you’re serious about growing your real estate business, closing more deals, and connecting with the right people, this event is YOUR opportunity.

Join us Saturday, June 28th in Brooklyn’s Park Slope area for an exclusive Real Estate Power Networking Eventdesigned to help you:

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Hey Dax, 

I know it’s tough when you find a property that feels like the perfect fit, but if you don’t have the down payment now, the reality is it likely won’t last long and that’s okay. Don’t get too attached. There will be other deals, trust me. Real estate is a long game, and opportunities are constantly flowing.

That said, this is a great time to start learning about creative financing strategies that can help you break into real estate without relying solely on W2 income. Here are a few to look into:

• Seller financing – If the seller owns the property free and clear, they may be open to letting you make payments directly to them.

• Partnering up – You bring the hustle, someone else brings the capital. Teaming up with a family member, friend, or investor could get you in the game faster.

• House hacking – Live in one unit, rent out the other. Some lenders count projected rental income toward your loan qualification.

• Subto (Subject-To) – One of my favorites. This strategy involves taking over the existing mortgage payments of a homeowner, while keeping the loan in their name. It’s a powerful tool when used ethically and responsibly. Definitely something to study further.

• Consider FHA or conventional loans with low down payments – You may be able to purchase a duplex with just 3.5% down.

In the meantime, use this motivation to double down on discipline.... start building that down payment fund now and tighten up anything that’s eating away at your income. The sacrifices you make now will set you up for financial freedom later.

Keep pushing forward. You’re doing the right things.

Best Regards, Laura Navaquin 

Mentor |BRRRR Expert | Speaker