All Forum Posts by: Nicolas Martin

I am saving about 400/w in a high interest savings account right now which is 60% of my pay, I am going to get guaranteed $5/h raises every year for the next 5 years. I will be increasing my savings amount to reflect as well. I will be making $55-$60/h by the time I’m certified at 21/22.

I am also looking into side hustles to increase my income such as flipping cars, reselling etc.

As of right now I have around 8k saved, and 5k invested in stocks.

Obviously I cannot buy a property with just a few grand right now, but basically I just want to ask for any advice or tips you would give to me or your younger self when you started.

I usually listen to audio books on personal finance and business while working instead of music to further my knowledge.

Any sort of advice is welcome, books, podcasts, methods to learn about. I want to make the most of this time while I’m saving to keep learning and maximize my returns when I’m able to enter the market.

Focus on saving, building credit, and continuing to learn through audiobooks like The Real Estate Rookie Podcast and Rich Dad Poor Dad. Once you're ready, house hacking with an FHA loan could be a great strategy. Wholesaling real estate is another way to gain experience without much capital. Keep growing your side hustles like flipping cars and reselling to increase your savings. Start researching real estate markets with strong rental demand. As you get closer to investing, network through meetups and online communities to learn from others.

0 Votes

Toronto, Ontario

Quote from @Chris Core:

Looking to purchase my first investment property. I wanted to start with a multi family. I am having trouble finding cash-flowing properties. Any tips for a first time investor would be greatly appreciated. We are able to use FHA if that makes a difference. And qe are open to any state in the US.

For your first multi-family property, focus on areas with strong rental demand but lower prices, like cities with job growth or near universities. Consider house hacking with an FHA loan—live in one unit and rent the others. Look for off-market deals through wholesalers or direct mail. Be sure to analyze rental income and expenses carefully to ensure cash flow. Stay patient and persistent—it may take time to find the right property.

0 Votes

Greenville, South Carolina

Quote from @Roy Jenkins:

I want to start flipping properties my last year in the military but I'm not quite sure what the best type of loan would be for a beginner flipper. Open to any tips, thank you!

For a beginner flipper, hard money loans are quick but have higher interest rates. FHA 203(k) loans are good if you plan to live in the property, offering a low down payment. Conventional loans are an option if you have good credit, but they can be harder to get for flips. A business line of credit or personal loan offers flexibility, while a VA loan could be useful if you're eligible, though it's for primary residences. Make sure to budget for rehab costs and work with a reliable contractor.

0 Votes

Greenville, South Carolina

Quote from @Matthew Posteraro:

Me and my wife are planning on starting our investment journey by buying a multi-family home that we would live in as our primary residence. Before this we are planning to go debt free in the next 4 months. Then after that is achieved, we will begin saving for a down payment on our first house that we plan to buy in the next 2-4 years. I am someone who learns by doing, and beside reading as many books as possible during this time I am looking for ways to get my foot in the door of real estate investing. I work as a nurse, so I do normally have four days off per week that are free to explore real estate further but starting next month I will be working nights for the foreseeable future.

I am not looking to get a real estate license for now, so that has seemed to limit my options as well. Any suggestions or pointing in the right direction would be appreciated. I am looking for any type of avenue that would give me first hand experience in any aspect of real estate investing, managing, etc. Thanks in advance for your help!

P.S. I am in the PA market in the suburbs of Philly and looking to invest in the Lehigh Valley area or as far south as Quakertown area.

You're on the right track with your plan to go debt-free and save for a down payment. Since you're not pursuing a real estate license, consider wholesaling to gain deal experience or help manage local properties to learn the day-to-day operations. Networking at meetups or online forums can connect you with investors and mentors. With your husband’s skills, assisting on fix-and-flip or BRRRR projects could offer hands-on experience. These options will help you dive in and learn while working toward your investment goals.

1 Vote

Quote from @Brandon Morgan:

Hi all i just recently bought my first rental property and finally have it all rented out! i was wondering what other people use for payment methods. I been using cash app and zelle that art connected to my business checking account. only issue is one of the tenants has been paying weekly but had a death in a family and now has not paid in several weeks. I charged a late fee and told them to just pay the lump sum for the month from now on. I really hope this does not continue to be an issue. hopefully it doesn't escalate where I have to evict.

Congrats on your first rental! Cash App and Zelle are convenient, but you might consider using platforms like PayPal, Venmo, or property management software (e.g., Rentec Direct or Buildium) for easier management and automated payments.

For the tenant who’s behind, it’s good you’ve set new terms. If the issue continues, consider offering a formal payment plan or seeking legal advice. Keep records of all communication, and be prepared to take further steps if necessary. Hopefully, it doesn’t escalate!

1 Vote

Wilkes Barre Scranton, Pennsylvania

Quote from @Paul Washington:

I have a property under contract and need to know could I get an extension with HUD if I'm an investor?

Yes, you can request an extension with HUD as an investor, but it’s not guaranteed. HUD typically allows extensions for valid reasons, like needing more time for financing or inspections, and there’s usually a fee. Contact the HUD asset manager handling your contract early and provide a clear reason for the extension.

0 Votes

Quote from @Laura Casner:

I've had so many deals fall through this year and am feeling exhausted from putting in a lot of time and energy to deal I thought were going to be solid an they ended up falling through. How do you find motivation to keep momentum going when it seems like nothing in working out?? Do I need to adjust my expectations on how many deals I can do in a year?? It seems like the numbers just rarely net any kind of positive cash flow.

I understand—it’s tough when deals fall through. Try adjusting your expectations to focus on quality over quantity; one good cash-flowing deal beats multiple break-even ones. If cash flow is hard to find, explore creative financing or strategies like house hacking. Celebrate small wins, learn from each experience, and lean on your network for support. Stay patient; persistence will pay off with the right deal.

0 Votes

Quote from @Collin Luckett:

Looking at online real estate licensing courses, anything out there with continued education options that does a good job of covering creative financing?

Real Estate Express, Kaplan, and The CE Shop offer online licensing courses with continued education, including investment and creative financing topics. While these courses provide a solid foundation, a BiggerPockets Pro Membership can supplement your learning with resources focused on creative financing. You might also consider specialized classes on platforms like Udemy for deeper insights into strategies like seller financing and subject-to deals.

0 Votes

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Quote from @Kristee Badet:

Hi everyone,

I am looking for any new information or tips of becoming a real estate investor. But I want to know, is it better to buy an investment property first or my own home first?
My fiancé and I have been saving and working on our scores in order to buy our first home. But I want to get into an investment property also. I’m worried that I’ll get “stuck” in my home where I can’t get into an investment one. If I house hack and live on the property, I sacrifice living in my own home which has been my main goal over the last couple years.
Any advice? Any tips?

If you want to start investing quickly, house hacking (buying a multi-family, living in one unit, and renting out the rest) is a great option. It helps cover your mortgage and gets you into real estate investing early. However, if having your own separate home is your main goal, buying a personal home first might be better, though it could limit your ability to buy an investment property soon after. Weigh what matters more to you now—getting into investing or having your own space. House hacking could be a smart way to achieve both eventually!

0 Votes

Boise, Idaho

Quote from @Jack Lee:

Hi everyone, I’m just getting started on my real estate journey and have spent the past few months learning through podcasts, BiggerPockets resources, and The House Hacking Strategy by Craig Curelop. I keep hearing from experienced investors about the importance of attending local meetups. While I think it would be a great opportunity to learn, I’m worried about showing up with so little knowledge and potentially giving the wrong impression.

Do you have any advice? Should I attend now or spend a few more months educating myself before going?

Yes, attend the meetups now! Don’t worry about being new—these events have people at all levels, and experienced investors are usually happy to share advice. You’ve already built a solid foundation with podcasts and resources like The House Hacking Strategy. Showing up eager to learn is what matters. Prepare a few questions, introduce yourself as a beginner, and focus on building connections. It’s a great way to learn and start networking early!

0 Votes

Worcester, Massachusetts

All Forum Posts by: Nicolas Martin

Nicolas Martin has started 1 posts and replied 52 times.

Post: Investing in real estate at young age

Post: First Investment property

Post: Best Loan For New Investor

Post: How do I get involved in Real Estate while I begin to save money for a down payment?

Post: payment methods for tenants

Post: Can I get a contract extension with a HUD property?

Post: Keeping momentum and a positive attitude.

Post: Real Estate License Online Options

Post: My First Investment

Post: Should I Attend a Meetup with Minimal Knowledge?