All Forum Posts by: Arman Ahmed

@Eric Widmeyer

Eric, good question. In Dayton you’ll definitely find solid 2–4 unit options under $300K, but the key is matching the neighborhood with your goals.

A-class areas will give you stability but thinner cash flow. The B and C neighborhoods are where most small-multi investors I know focus, since you can still find value-add opportunities with decent returns. In those spots, tenant base and property management matter a lot more—so I’d recommend paying close attention to local rental comps, turnover rates, and crime stats when narrowing down blocks.

Since you’re out of state, building the right team on the ground (property management, contractor, agent, etc.) will make or break the experience. The right people can help you avoid the streets that look good on paper but end up being headaches.

Are you leaning more toward long-term steady cash flow, or are you open to value-add projects that might need some renovation first?

@Matt Miller

Matt, you’re in a really strong spot—two free and clear rentals with steady cash flow gives you a lot of flexibility.

Your equity is the key here. A cash-out refi or HELOC lets you keep that monthly income while putting your capital to work. If you want to stay mostly passive, more rentals are usually easier to scale and manage through systems/teams than semi-passive businesses like storage or laundromats, which can eat up more time than people expect.

One approach I’ve seen work well is to tap equity from one property, keep a cushion, and use it to test a couple more rentals—you’ll learn a lot without overextending yourself.

Curious—are you leaning toward staying fully passive, or do you want to be a little more involved with the next move?

@Eli Berger

Hey Eli, congrats on kicking this off with your brothers — love that you're starting with the BRRRR approach, it's such a solid way to build long-term wealth.

From my own experience, a couple things to keep in mind:

• Markets: Don’t just chase the cheapest deals. Make sure rents and demand actually support cash flow. Some areas look great on paper but turn into money pits once you factor in vacancies or tenant headaches.
• Team: Your property manager is everything. Interview a few, ask how they handle turnovers and maintenance, and try to get feedback from other investors who already work with them.
• Financing: With the capital you’ve set aside, I’d personally spread it across two properties instead of sinking it all into one. You’ll diversify risk and also learn twice as fast.
• Lessons learned: Whatever you think your rehab budget/timeline is, add more. If you plan for $50K and 3 months, expect closer to $65K and 5 months. That buffer will save a lot of stress.

You’re in a really strong spot starting out — now it’s just about picking the right market and finding the right local team to back you up.

@An Nguyen

Hey An,

It looks like you've really thought through your options, which is great! Since you're self-employed and have strong credit, using a DSCR loan could be a smart way to get a rental property without tapping into your primary house equity. It keeps your personal finances safer and can give you more flexibility for future deals.

If you're comfortable with a little rehab work, a smaller property with HELOC funds could work too—but it comes with more hands-on risk and effort. Renting your current home is always a solid backup plan, but it ties up your primary asset.

Overall, I’d focus on a strategy that balances cash flow, risk, and ease of management, especially since this is your first investment property.

@Austin Fowler

Impressive portfolio, Austin! Passive multifamily can be such a powerful way to scale, especially across multiple markets. It’s always great to swap insights on strategy, deal sourcing, and managing LP relationships. Excited to follow your journey and see what others are doing in this space too!

@Mike Aharonian

Congrats on your first rental, Mike! That’s an exciting step. Having a background in home security is a huge bonus—keeping your tenants and property safe is always key.

As you get started, focusing on reliable tenants, good property management, and small improvements that protect or add value can really make a difference. Excited to see your journey here and hear your tips from the security side too!

@Andrew Bailey

Hey Andrew,

Sounds like you’re off to a solid start! Since your focus is on appreciation and taking it slow, I’d suggest spending some time looking at neighborhoods with steady job growth, planned developments, and strong local demand. Even on Day 1, connecting with a local agent who’s investor-friendly can save a lot of time and help you spot opportunities that match your goals.

Also, keep an eye on properties where you can add small improvements—they often give a good lift in value without huge risk.

Welcome to the journey—it’s a lot of learning, but rewarding!

@David Choi

Hey David,

Having the breaker box inside the tenant’s space can definitely be tricky. A common approach is to create a lockable enclosure or panel so it’s secure but still accessible in an emergency. Make sure you include instructions for tenants on what to do if there’s an outage, and have a reliable way to get in quickly if you ever need to access it. Some landlords also install a secondary main disconnect outside if local code allows—it keeps the unit safe and gives you easy access.

Safety and clear communication are key here.

@Jim Bruxvoort

Hey Jim,

Sounds like you've already got a solid start with your condo experience! Since you're looking to dip your toe in, starting small with single-family or a duplex can help you get a feel for managing rentals without being overwhelmed. Once comfortable, moving into small multifamily or a BRRRR strategy can make sense, especially if you want both cash flow and appreciation.

Your handyman skills are a huge bonus—it’ll save you money and help you better understand renovation timelines and costs. The key is to start with manageable properties and build confidence before scaling.

@Account Closed

Hey Dj,

For your first BRRRR, the key is getting access to deals before they hit the general market. Local MLS listings are a start, but off-market opportunities usually perform better. Driving for dollars, networking with wholesalers, and keeping an eye on pre-foreclosures or probate can uncover hidden gems.

If you don’t mind managing remotely, expanding your search to other markets can open up more cash-flowing options—but make sure you have a solid local team in place for inspections, renovations, and property management.

Focus on building your pipeline first, and the right deal will come along.