All Forum Posts by: Paula Trepman

Thank you so much, I really appreciate the advice! This is so helpful. 

Dear Bigger Pockets Community,

Thank you so much for the warm welcome! I'm new to real estate and am moving with my husband to an expensive market (Los Angeles). We are debating if we should buy a condo here (we would need to live in a fairly expensive neighborhood such as Westwood or Santa Monica due to commuting schedules), invest in long distance real estate, or some combination. Rent here is fairly expensive as well and can be similar to mortgage payments depending on the percentage downpayment, though there are also ongoing concerns such as fire and earthquake insurances. Since the fires, rent has gone up and most of the rentals are in poor condition unless we pay at least ~$3300 for a 1 bedroom or ~$5000 for a 2 bedroom (we could probably fit in a 1 bedroom for next year but will likely need to move to a 2 bedroom after that). We will be here for 3 years but don't anticipate living here for much longer. We probably have anywhere from $150,000-$250,000 to invest but I am hesitant about getting into anything overly risky as I know I still have a lot to learn. I am hoping to build multiple income streams as we are both physicians and looking to grow our family, but there is very little flexibility in clinical schedules. I would be grateful to hear any advice or perspectives.

I've also been connected to companies such as STR Search but I'm a little hesitant since you have to commit before seeing potential properties or even fully understanding the geographic location of where the potential STRs would be located.

Many thanks,

Dear Bigger Pockets Community, 

Thank you so much for the warm welcome! I'm new to real estate and am moving with my husband to an expensive market (Los Angeles). We are debating if we should buy a condo here (we would need to live in a fairly expensive neighborhood such as Westwood or Santa Monica due to commuting schedules), invest in long distance real estate, or some combination. Rent here is fairly expensive as well and can be similar to mortgage payments depending on the percentage downpayment, though there are also ongoing concerns such as fire and earthquake insurances. Since the fires, rent has gone up and most of the rentals are in poor condition unless we pay at least ~$5000 (for a 2 bedroom). We will be here for 3 years but don't anticipate living here for much longer. We probably have anywhere from $150,000-$250,000 to invest but I am hesitant about getting into anything overly risky as I know I still have a lot to learn. I am hoping to build multiple income streams as we are both physicians and looking to grow our family, but there is very little flexibility in clinical schedules. I would be grateful to hear any advice or perspectives.