All Forum Posts by: Nadeem Alamgir

 Sending you a DM! 

I sent you a DM! @Steve Balinski

Hey Chaim the 1% rule is a good filter, but not a deal breaker. Most investors aim for some cash flow with appreciation as a bonus, not the main play. Break even can work, but it leaves less room for error if something goes wrong.

If financing is tough, you might look at lower cost markets where your budget goes further, or explore creative options like partnerships or etc. The goal is to get into a solid deal that fits your situation and builds momentum. It's not always about the cash flow. 

Hey Steve, a lot of investors are feeling it right now with rates and prices where they are. Some are finding better cash flow by searching to more investor friendly or out of state markets where the numbers still work, especially on small multi or light value add deals. You've already built a solid foundation so it might just be time to shift markets or strategy for the next one. 

Hey Valerie, welcome and congrats on turning your property into a rental! If cash flow and passive income are your goals, a lot of investors are exploring markets like the midwest where prices are lower and returns are stronger. I work with many out of state investors, especially from California, who are priced out of their local markets and looking for better opportunities. I’m originally from NYC myself, so I definitely understand what it’s like to be in a high cost, competitive market with limited deal flow.

No problem! @Frankie Betancourt

You should generally set up a separate business account for your rental income and expenses. Then, like a paycheck, you should pay yourself a set amount from that account each month. 

For business expenses, anything related to operating or maintaining the rental (repairs, materials, insurance, property taxes, PM fees, etc) can be paid from the business account. You should keep receipts and track everything. It'll make tax time much easier. Of course, it's always smart to check with a CPA to make sure your setup properly. 

Your best move is to have your agent push the listing agent to get the seller involved. They may be able to enforce access with proper notice depending on local laws. If that doesn’t work, you can still make an offer contingent on seeing the unit during the inspection period. In the worst case, use the access issue as leverage during negotiations. 

Hey Willy, I’d recommend checking out the BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast and some of their books. Both do a great job of breaking things down in a practical, beginner friendly way. You might also want to look into local meetups to connect with other investors and hear what’s working in your area.

I work with a lot of investors from California who look out of state due to the high entry costs locally. While out of state investing isn’t always seamless, it’s definitely doable if you build the right team, such as a solid agent, property manager, and contractor, who make all the difference.

Hey Gal! By focusing on market analysis early, you’re already on the right track.

Choose 2–3 markets and start tracking deals weekly. Look at rent to price ratios, property taxes, graded maps, and job growth. It helps you build a feel for what is what there and what other claim is out there. 

Starting local can be great for hands on learning, but out of state investing is definitely doable for your first deal if you build the right team (agent, PM, contractor). Many investors go that route when local returns don’t make sense. Best of luck!