All Forum Posts by: Arman Ahmed

@Stefanie McLaren

got it — that makes sense. If cash flow is your main focus right now, MTRs usually strike a nice balance between steady occupancy and higher returns than a standard long-term rental, without as much management intensity as STRs.

In Florida, you’ll definitely want to factor in seasonality for STRs and the impact of insurance/taxes. In the Midwest, you can usually find deals where MTRs and LTRs still cash flow well even after expenses, which helps offset any volatility in Florida.

I've seen investors do well with a hybrid strategy: keep a cash-flowing base in the Midwest and add STR/MTR in Florida for appreciation + higher upside.

Are you leaning more toward buying locally in FL first, or would you consider out-of-state for stronger numbers?

@Gia Hermosillo

Great post, Gia! For me, the turning point was closing on my first rental and seeing the numbers actually work—rent covering the mortgage, and cash flow in my account. It made real estate feel tangible, not just theory. From there, every rehab, tenant call, or unexpected repair became a learning opportunity, shaping how I analyze deals and manage properties today. It’s definitely a mix of numbers and people that makes this business so rewarding.

@Chad Clark

Hey Chad, you're in a strong spot—good equity, near-perfect credit, and experience running SFHs. That's a solid foundation for small multifamily investing. For financing, many investors start with conventional commercial loans for 2-4 unit properties, or portfolio lenders if banks won't handle it. SBA 504/7a loans can work for building from scratch but are slower. Using your $200k as a down payment, you could pick up small multifamily units in the Midwest, where cash flow is strong and demand is steady. I'd start with 2-4 units to get comfortable with NOI-based valuations and managing multiple tenants, then leverage that experience to scale. Line up a lender familiar with multifamily and have your pro forma and management plan ready—it makes a big difference.

@Irene Block

Hi Irene, really appreciate you sharing these lessons—they're super practical and exactly the kind of insights newer investors need. I actually work with a lot of investors building portfolios in Columbus and across the Midwest, including helping source off-market deals, analyze cash flow, and connect with contractors and property managers. If you're ever looking for a local partner or someone to collaborate with on your next BRRRR project, I'd be happy to connect and share resources

@Stefanie McLaren

Great to see you jumping in, Stefanie. That stretch between Tampa and Fort Myers has been really popular—lots of investor interest, strong demand drivers, but it’s also getting competitive. With house hacks, you’ll usually get the best returns closer to major employment centers or universities, since demand stays strong for room rentals or duplex setups.

One thing to watch is insurance and property taxes—they can eat into returns quickly in Florida. That’s why a lot of folks also diversify into the Midwest, where acquisition prices are lower, cash flow is stronger, and it pairs well with keeping something in Florida for appreciation.

What type of returns are you targeting—more cash flow or long-term appreciation?

@Liam Malka

Great question, Liam. Section 8 and BRRRR can actually pair really well together if you structure it right. The key is buying in areas where Section 8 rents line up with—or even exceed—market rents. That way, after your rehab and refi, you're not leaving too much cash in the deal. The big plus is the stable rent payments once you've got a good tenant in place.

The challenge is usually in the upfront process—inspections, getting properties “program ready,” and working with contractors who understand what Section 8 inspectors look for. Once you have a solid contractor who knows the drill, it gets a lot smoother.

I invest in the Midwest, where this model works really well because acquisition costs are lower and Section 8 rents are strong relative to home prices. If you’re just starting, shadowing someone local to you who’s already doing it would be huge.

Are you looking to BRRRR in your own market, or are you open to other regions?

@Marques Dredd

Welcome Marques, and thank you for your service 🙏. Sounds like you’re already off to a great start with 2 doors under your belt and a clear plan. A flip could definitely help you build cash quickly and learn the process, just make sure to run your numbers conservatively since margins can be tight in today’s market.

As for investing—California can be tough with prices and regulations, but it’s not impossible. Some people prefer to keep their first few deals close to home for the learning curve, then branch out into more affordable markets once they’re confident. I personally invest in the Midwest, where entry costs are lower and cash flow is stronger, but it really comes down to your goals and risk tolerance.

What kind of property are you leaning toward for that first flip—cosmetic or full rehab?

@Grady Schmidt

Congrats on scaling to 5 properties—that’s solid progress, especially mixing in LTRs and now moving into STRs. I’m also focused on small multifamily and invest in the Midwest, so it’s always good to connect with others on a similar path. Curious—what’s been your biggest lesson learned so far jumping from LTRs into STRs?

@Sharon Israel

Both Atlanta and Tampa have been strong flip markets, but each has trade-offs—Atlanta has more steady supply but heavier competition and permitting, while Tampa is faster moving with higher buy-in costs but strong demand. Since you’re offshore, ease of execution matters, and Tampa often moves smoother on permitting. That said, don’t overlook the Midwest—I invest there myself, and it’s been excellent for finding affordable deals with strong margins and less competition compared to the Southeast hotspots.

@Xavier Vazquez

Congrats on getting to this stage, Xavier—having strong income and credit puts you in a great spot. If you're set on North Jersey, an FHA or low down payment loan could be a good way in, especially if you consider house hacking a duplex or triplex so rental income helps cover the mortgage. That said, I personally invest in the Midwest because entry prices are lower and cash flow is a lot stronger. You might find that starting in a more affordable market gives you momentum faster, even if you circle back to Jersey later.