All Forum Posts by: Marielle Walter

@Russell Brazil hmm i wonder why that is. In DC they are completely booked and have waiting lists, and i heard in Manchester NH someone has been super successful with micro-units. I'll look more into the comment you shared to get at the why factor. 

I am looking to purchase a second investment property and may buy something that is not updated and needs some renovation. I am also considering buying a small multi-unit and renovating it into a micro-unit complex. I need a real estate agent that can see a place, understand the work it needs, highlight issues and perks, share cost estimates, ideally even understand a bit about zoning (at least who to speak to etc.). I need major expertise - since I am still getting started in my real estate investing career. Thanks in advance for recommendations. 

Hi all, I am a professional in DC with an office job, and I have started investing in Real Estate. I want to be a full time real estate investor, and I wonder if a good way to dive in head first is to get licensed as a real estate agent so I can learn a lot more about the market and become better positioned to make solid investments in the next couple years. For those of you that have experience as agents and also as investors - is this smart, or is that a waste of time and i should just go find my own deals that appeal and go after financing? How much does a newbie real estate agent in Washington, DC, where I am based, make?

Hi all! I have invested in single family real estate before, but have never looked into commercial real estate. I have done a lot of research on the micro-unit concept and beleive it will be a lucrative rental model for me in Washington, DC, where I am based, and Boston, MA area where I travel often. I am looking for agents with their own experience buying and renting apartment buildings (it is important to me i find someone that already has deep expertise since I do not), as well as advice on how to go about getting financing, and also anyone with experience with Micro-units or interest in partnering on a micro-unit venture. I hope to buy something between 2 units and 5 or 6 units and renovate to have closer to 4 (if renovating a 2 unit) to 8 to 10 units (if renovation and 5/6 unit). Guidance on zoning is appreciated too. 

@Lien Vuong you are totally speaking my language :) I'll message you - would like to chat more if you are open to it. I have considered Malden and Everette, but have not explored them much yet. Would love to pick your brain about potential for a small scale micro-unit concept I have also. 

@Michael Fratalia thanks for the rec! I will check it out! 

@Jonathan Bowen thanks that is super helpful info. Sounds like i will be capped at renting 4 rooms. However, does this apply to all surrounding areas (Dorchester, Roxbury, etc.). I wonder how the soon to be micro-unit got approved - i guess you have to go from 4 rooms to a full on apartment building to get the permission? Any idea how one takes that step?

@David Cahill thanks for the input - I'll look into Allston/Brighton, though likely a bit over my price range! 

@David Cahill Thanks so much! I have seen a bunch in Dorchester, I have also seen in other places like Malden a half a mile to the train - seems like a good bet? Homes not updated but in turn key condition, perfect for me. But I am unsure of the rental market for young professionals there - do you know where i can find more info on that?

@Charlie MacPherson  Thanks. I would be comfortable with 550 k. I'll check out Bridgewater. I actually have seen several large homes for sale in Dorchester for a bit over 500 k, but looks like crime can be an issue. I am not pressed to buy in Boston - of course the market is very pricey there. I am more interested in surrounding areas that have strong rental markets, where folks can still commute into Boston by train.