All Forum Posts by: Lydia Tilahun

@Bill S. 

Hi Bill, thank you so much for the thoughtful reply!

You’re absolutely right—I’m currently renting here in Colorado, but my long-term plan has always been to purchase a single-family or multi-family home, live in one unit or room, and rent out the others. That’s actually the reason I moved to Colorado in the first place—I’ve been working and saving up for that opportunity.

I haven’t made the jump yet, mainly because the Denver/Aurora market has felt a bit out of reach at times, but I’m still 100% committed to house hacking as my first step into real estate investing. Out-of-state investing has crossed my mind, but I want to be hands-on and local for my first deal.

Thanks again for your perspective—it really helps to hear that house hacking is still one of the strongest strategies in any market. It keeps me motivated to keep pushing forward.

@Ryan Rominger 

Thanks so much, Ryan! I’ve been hearing great things about the Midwest and Southeast, and I’m definitely leaning toward starting out-of-state for better cash flow. I totally agree that having a solid team on the ground is key. I might take you up on that offer to bounce some ideas—really appreciate the support!

@Todd Dexheimer 

Thanks for the insight, Todd—I really appreciate your perspective. I’ve been weighing the pros and cons of starting locally versus out of state. It’s definitely a lot to consider, especially as a first-time investor. I’m keeping an open mind and learning from every angle, so thank you for sharing your experience!

@Robert Smith 

Hey Robert! That’s awesome—nice to meet another Denver local on this journey! I’m just getting started too and excited to learn and connect with others. Have you narrowed down any markets you’re looking into yet?

@Sean Graham 

Thank you! I really appreciate that—and yes, tax strategy is definitely something I want to get right from the beginning. If you have any tips or resources you recommend for building a smart tax plan around rental income, I’d love to hear them!

@Bernice Retzloff 

Hi Bernice,

Thank you for the warm welcome and the detailed info—this definitely caught my interest! I’ve been seriously thinking about out-of-state investing, and Memphis sounds like a promising market, especially since I’m aiming for cash flow and turnkey ease. I’d love to connect and learn more about the process and how others are making it work. Looking forward to hearing more!

Best,

Lydia

@Andrew Werner 

Thank you so much for the warm welcome and insightful advice! I’m excited to embark on this real estate investing journey and truly appreciate your encouragement.

Your questions have given me a lot to consider. I’m currently focusing on properties that offer strong cash flow, as building a steady income stream is a primary goal for me. That said, I also value the benefits of appreciation and tax advantages, so I’m open to opportunities that provide a balanced mix.

Regarding financing, I’m exploring various options, including leveraging loans to maximize my investment potential. I’m also considering partnerships and creative financing strategies to make the most of my capital.

@Peter W. Thank you so much!

@Don Konipol 

Hi Don, thank you so much for sharing your insight—your 45+ years of experience really hit home for me. I’ve been soaking up so much information lately that I started feeling a little overwhelmed. Your advice reminded me that sometimes the best way to learn is just to start.

I’m currently exploring small SFRs or possibly duplexes within 1–2 hours of where I live (Aurora, CO), and your message gave me the clarity I needed to take that next step. I’ll keep it simple, stay local, and start learning by doing. Thanks again—I really appreciate your perspective.

@Christine Mulkins thank you!