All Forum Posts by: Arman Ahmed

@Justin Scott

Hey Justin, sounds like you're in a great position with equity and no debt—that gives you a lot of flexibility. Tapping into that equity through a cash-out refi or HELOC could give you the capital to pick up multiple cash-flowing units. Since you mentioned cash flow being most important, definitely look into some Midwest markets as well. The barrier to entry is lower, and many investors find the rent-to-price ratios much stronger compared to coastal or higher-priced areas. That way you can diversify across markets while still keeping your primary focus on strong, steady returns.

@Alexander Perryman

Hey Alex, welcome to BiggerPockets! Love your dedication and mindset at such a young age—real estate is definitely a marathon, not a sprint. Wholesaling or house hacking can be a great way to start with minimal upfront capital while you learn the ropes. Focus on building knowledge, taking small actionable steps, and connecting with local investors who can mentor or let you shadow. Keep putting in the time and effort—it really adds up, and your persistence will pay off.

@Mikey Morrison

Hey Mikey, congrats on the new place and the ADU setup! Short-term or long-term, having that extra unit gives you great flexibility and cash flow potential. If you're open to exploring opportunities beyond Salt Lake, there are some Midwest markets with strong cash flow for similar setups. Happy to share insights or answer any questions as you get started in real estate investing.

@Philip Walsh

Hey Philip, congrats on getting your first property under contract! Manchester is a solid starting market, especially for cash flow-focused rentals. Since you have a finance and home-building background, you’ll have a big advantage in analyzing deals and estimating rehab costs. If you ever want insights on markets with strong cash flow or off-market opportunities—both local and out-of-state—feel free to reach out. It can be a huge boost when building your first portfolio.

@Eric Widmeyer

Eric, in Toledo a lot of small multi-family investors look at West Toledo, Old Orchard, and areas around Ottawa Park—solid rental demand and better tenant profiles. South Toledo near the university also works, though it leans more student-heavy. With your budget, you can definitely land a 2–4 unit in a B/C class neighborhood that cash flows, but it’s very street-by-street, so due diligence is key.

Are you aiming more for cash flow today or long-term growth on this first property?

@Matt Miller 

That’s a great approach, Matt — keeping one free and clear as your safety net while BRRRRing others is a smart balance. Since you’ve got the flexibility and help, I’d double down on building a system around identifying and managing cash-flowing rentals first. Rentals scale cleaner and give you options down the road if you want to branch into semi-passive businesses. With your equity and W2 strength, lenders will like working with you too. The key is just lining up solid markets, teams, and deals so you’re not rushing in blind

@Danilo Perea

Danilo, you’re asking all the right questions early on — that’s huge. Since you’re in Miami, one thing I’d suggest is also looking out-of-state in the Midwest where cash flow is much stronger than in Florida. You don’t need to tell people about your upcoming capital yet; instead, focus on networking with investors and agents in markets you’re curious about, and maybe shadow a few deals. That way, when your funds come in, you’ll already have trusted connections and know where to deploy them.

@Brandon Yanssens

Congrats on owning your first rental free & clear! Most investors in your spot pull equity out with a cash-out refi or HELOC to use as a down payment on more doors, while still keeping the first property cash-flowing. FHA is usually only for owner-occupants, so less practical here. Many will secure financing on the new deal first and then tap into existing equity so it doesn't affect underwriting.

@Conor Kelly

Hey Conor,

Kansas City—and the Midwest in general—can still be a solid market for cash-flowing small multifamily properties. With the right neighborhoods and proper evaluation, cash flow can be excellent. Out-of-state investing adds some complexity, but a strong local team—agents, property managers, and lenders—makes it manageable.

Financing, LLCs, and taxes are important to plan for, and starting with smaller 2–4 unit properties is often easiest for first-time out-of-state investors.

Happy to answer questions or share more about structuring deals for cash flow and long-term growth.

@Divyanshu Khare

Hey Divyanshu,

Congrats on diving into multifamily investing! From what I’ve seen in similar markets, a few things to keep in mind:

• Neighborhood nuances: Block-level differences can be big—look for areas with stable tenants and avoid streets with higher crime or nuisance reports.
• Tenant base: Properties near hospitals, schools, or government offices tend to have more stable tenants, while student-heavy areas see more turnover.
• Insurance/flood zones: Flood insurance can add costs, but it’s manageable if you factor it into your pro forma.
• Rental demand: Even in smaller cities, demand is often healthy for long-term rentals versus short-term Airbnbs—especially in centrally located duplexes.
• Inspections/licensing: Be thorough with city requirements; first-time investors often underestimate time and paperwork for licensing and inspections.

It’s smart you’re running pro formas and thinking through these factors. Curious—are you leaning more toward cash flow or appreciation for this first deal?