All Forum Posts by: Phillip Williams

After a lot of reading and two failed offers I am starting over. I had previously only been looking at the big island and casually looking on Oahu, where I live. Since I am going back to step one I've decided to look at the other islands again. Maui and the big island are the two that I am interested in from the price stand point. That being said I've already been working with a realtor on big island so I am in need of a realtor on Maui. Since I have no contacts on Maui i am asking around here.

Currently looking for a single family home or condo ideally for long term rental. Budget is 300k or less, ideally less than 150k (condo). Because I live on Oahu and have a full time job, I will be using a property manager. Being a newbie I am open to other options, but I won't be house hacking. Brrrr sounds nice and great, but i don't think I have enough cash saved to do an actual remodel.

Maholo for any help!

Larry, that seems to be one of my biggest hurdles. At least in Hi everyone seems to know someone from one of the other islands. So networking between the islands hasn't been too difficult. It's finding people/companies on the mainland that is difficult. Thankfully a friend turned me on to bigger pockets although I haven't been taking advantage of it as much as I should have been.

Greg, I am trying to do something similar to what you are doing. I live on Oahu, but due to the market and available cash have been looking at other islands. I mostly was looking at from Hilo to Volcano on the big island looking for either a long term rental or vacation rental. How does the Maui market compare to big island or Oahu? Any tips for someone trying to get their first place?

I should also add that I am trying to get something as easy and turnkey as possible. A rehab/renovation doesn't seem feasible with my work schedule.

Wow, thanks for all the suggestions. I do want to do a brrrr, but for my first rental that seems too intimidating to me. I also don't think I have enough cash saved to do a renovation.

Hello to all. 

I am looking to buy my first rental. I've been reading and researching on here for the better part of the last year in addition to looking at "local" properties. My biggest issue is location. I have the great privilege to live on Oahu Hawaii. While this is an awesome place to live and work it is not the most conducive to a first time rental property buyer. I quickly realized that rentals on Oahu will not break even unless its a miracle. I was looking at the big island because property is significantly cheaper, but so far have had no luck getting an offer accepted. 

Knowing this, I need some advice or at the very least outside opinions. Should I start looking at properties outside of the islands? What are the disadvantages of buying on the mainland? I have already made the decision to have it managed professionally. Even if it is on island, I still work full time and don't want to spend my free time managing. What would be the advantages of buying on the mainland? 

Any insight is greatly appreciated and Mahalos.