All Forum Posts by: Arman Ahmed

@Juan Santos

That's a great position to be in—high credit, solid savings, no debt, and the VA loan option gives you a huge advantage. A lot of first-time investors use that VA loan to "house hack" a small multifamily (live in one unit, rent the others) or a single-family and then move later while keeping it as a rental. Another path, if you want to stay more hands-off, is looking at affordable Midwest markets where your $50K can stretch much further for down payments and reserves. The key is to decide whether you want to maximize cash flow right away or build long-term equity—once that's clear, it's easier to map your first move

@Robert McCallum

A lot of flippers bridge that gap with private money partners or short-term hard money, but one approach that works well—especially in more affordable Midwest markets—is combining hard money for the purchase/rehab with a private lender or HELOC to cover the gap. Since entry prices are lower there, the total capital required is less, making it easier to structure win-win partnerships or profit splits without overextending. Biggest lesson I've seen: make sure your numbers are conservative on ARV and rehab costs, so your financing strategy doesn't collapse if timelines stretch.

@Chelsea Coltman

Hi Chelsea, it’s very common for first-time investors in high-cost areas like Orange County to struggle with cash flow—prices are just high relative to rents. That’s why many investors start looking at Midwest markets, where purchase prices are lower and you can get positive cash flow even with a 20% down payment. Focusing on smaller single-family homes or duplexes there often lets you cover your mortgage, property management, and expenses while still generating income. It’s less about doing anything wrong and more about the market you’re targeting.

@Josh Dziama

Hi Josh, for your first rental, DSCR loans and hard money can be useful alternatives to conventional financing, especially if you want to reduce your cash outlay. DSCR loans focus on the property's cash flow rather than your personal income, which can make approval easier for investment properties. Hard money is faster and more flexible but usually comes with higher interest and shorter terms, so it's best for short-term flips or rehabs. Many investors also look at markets in the Midwest, where purchase prices are lower, allowing smaller down payments to cover cash-flowing single-family and small multifamily rentals.

@Preeti Sharma

Hi Preeti, BRRRR is a great strategy to build equity and cash flow. For out-of-state deals, many investors focus on markets like the Midwest where cash-flowing SFRs and small multifamily properties are more affordable and easier to manage remotely. Driving or flying occasionally helps, but you can also rely on trusted local contractors and property managers for inspections and rehab oversight. Starting with raw land can work, but many beginners see faster results with distressed properties that can be rehabbed and rented quickly. For financing, HELOCs can be useful, but you'll still usually need some cash down for the purchase and rehab. It's all about balancing leverage, risk, and speed to cash flow.

@Trevor Leb

Welcome, Trevor! Starting with single-family and small multifamily properties is a smart move, especially as you’re building your foundation. There’s a lot of opportunity in the Midwest for cash-flowing SFRs and small multifamily deals that can help you grow your portfolio while learning the ropes. Connecting with experienced investors, wholesalers, and agents in these markets can give you a head start. Happy to share insights and connect with like-minded investors.

@Bahaa Ashraf

Welcome to BiggerPockets, Bahaa! Sounds like you have solid experience building off-market pipelines — that’s such a key skill for any investor looking to scale. There’s a lot of opportunity in the Midwest for both residential and small multifamily deals, especially for those who know how to source and structure off-market opportunities. Happy to connect and share insights, and always open to exchanging ideas with fellow investors.

@Liz Camacho

Congrats on starting your investing journey, Liz! Having both realtor and investor experience gives you a huge advantage since you’ll be able to spot and evaluate deals faster than most. If you’re ever open to looking beyond your local market, the Midwest is a great place to build long-term wealth—properties are more affordable, cash flow is stronger, and appreciation has been steady. Defining your buy box early will help you filter opportunities and stay focused as you grow your portfolio. Excited to see where your journey takes you!

@Mihailo Rakic

Columbus and Dayton are both strong investor markets right now, with steady rental demand and plenty of value-add opportunities. Out-of-state investors especially like these markets because prices are still affordable compared to the coasts, while cash flow and appreciation potential remain solid. Building good relationships with buyers and contractors is key here, and having strong comps and rehab numbers ready goes a long way in moving deals quickly.

@Nikelyia Waters

House-hacking a duplex is one of the smartest ways to get started—you reduce your living costs while building equity. Just make sure you screen tenants carefully since you’ll be living next door, keep reserves for repairs that affect both units, and think about your long-term plan (whether to hold as a rental or eventually sell). It’s a solid strategy many investors use to accelerate wealth.