All Forum Posts by: Arman Ahmed

@Amir Twig

Hey Amir,

Great question—high interest rates have definitely forced a shift in strategy. A lot of investors I work with are focusing more on creative financing rather than relying on traditional lending. Seller financing and Subject-To deals are becoming way more common, especially with sellers who don’t want to drop their price.

Another approach that’s working well is targeting underperforming properties—places with below-market rents, high expenses, or poor management. That way, even with higher rates, you can still force appreciation and create solid returns.

Raising private capital and structuring partnerships has also been key. With the right setup, it’s possible to make deals work without being completely tied to bank loans.

What strategies have been working for you in Miami?

@Simandu Yakubov

Hey Simandu,

Congrats on making the jump from SFH to commercial multifamily! It's a big step, but definitely the right move for scaling up.

To your first question—most sellers price their properties based on projected (pro forma) NOI rather than actual NOI. This can be a bit misleading because it assumes all rent increases and improvements have already happened. If you buy at projected NOI, you're basically paying for value that you still have to create, which makes it harder to execute a solid value-add strategy. Ideally, you want to buy based on the current NOI and then force appreciation through rent increases, renovations, and better management.

And yes, you're thinking about valuation the right way—when you increase NOI by raising rents, reducing expenses, or filling vacancies, the property's value goes up based on the local cap rate. That's how investors use the BRRRR method at a larger scale—buy, improve, refinance, and pull out capital to reinvest in the next deal.

For underwriting, I’d focus on:

• Market rents vs. current rents – How much room is there to increase?

• Vacancy & turnover costs – Can you realistically keep units full?

• CapEx (big-ticket repairs) – Are there hidden costs (roof, HVAC, plumbing)?

• Operating expenses – Are they in line with industry standards?

• Financing terms – Will the bank see the same value you do?

I work with a lot of investor clients and would be happy to connect if you ever want to bounce ideas or go over a deal together. Let’s stay in touch!

@Evan Reed

Hey Evan,

Sounds like a great project! I’m an investor-focused agent based in Ohio and have been keeping a close eye on the Toledo market. The areas you’re considering—Perrysburg, Maumee, and Sylvania—are definitely some of the stronger submarkets, especially for build-to-rent opportunities. Zoning and utility access are key, as Robert mentioned, and making sure new construction comps support your numbers will be crucial.

Have you connected with any local builders yet? I might be able to help you find reputable ones who have experience with duplex construction. Also, if you need help running numbers on potential sites or understanding rent comps in those areas, I’d be happy to assist. Let’s connect and see how I can help!

Looking forward to hearing more about your plans.

@Patrick Lee

Great work on getting this deal done, especially with the tax delinquency negotiation—those can be tricky! Sounds like you really put in the effort to track down the lender and make it happen. I’m an investor-friendly agent based in Ohio, always looking to connect with wholesalers who know how to find solid off-market deals. If you ever come across anything that needs a buyer or someone to help move it quickly, let’s connect. Would love to work together on future deals!

@Mario Hernández

That deal sounds really interesting, especially with a 16% cap rate! Mixed-use properties like this can be great cash-flowing assets, but there are a few things to think about before jumping in:

• Financing: Since this isn't just a standard duplex or SFH, have you looked into what kind of loan options are available? Some lenders won't do residential loans on mixed-use, so a commercial or portfolio loan might be the way to go.

• Tenant Stability: The storage units and auto shop bring in income, but are those tenants locked into long-term leases, or are they month-to-month? Losing a commercial tenant could impact cash flow.

• Zoning & Compliance: Always good to double-check local zoning laws to make sure there aren’t any restrictions that could affect how you use or upgrade the property.

• Property Management: Residential and commercial tenants come with different needs—do you plan to self-manage, or would you bring in a property manager who has experience with mixed-use?

It definitely sounds like a solid opportunity, just worth making sure all the pieces line up. Happy to chat more if you want to go over it in detail—feel free to DM me!

@Meir Yakuel

Hey! Great to connect. Toledo has been a solid market for investors with its affordable property prices, strong rental demand, and steady appreciation. The city has a mix of value-add opportunities and turnkey rentals, making it a great spot for both BRRRR and long-term holds. What kind of deals are you looking for? Always happy to connect and share insights!

@Paula Reavlin

Hey Paula, great to connect! Sounds like you’re making some solid moves in Cleveland. I understand your hesitation with private money loans—they can be a bit intimidating at first, but they can also help scale faster when used strategically. I’ve used a mix of private money and personal funds for deals, depending on the situation. Happy to share any insights if you’d like!

Also, I can reach out to some contractors who work well with investors, fast and fair, to help you get your projects moving. Let me know what you’re looking for specifically!

@Cooper Cheon

Columbus, Ohio, is a great market for out-of-state investors looking for strong cash flow and steady appreciation. It has a diverse economy, a growing population, and a high demand for rental properties, especially with Ohio State University and major employers like JPMorgan Chase and Nationwide.

Compared to many other markets, Columbus still offers affordable entry points, with solid rental yields and a strong tenant base. Whether you’re looking for single-family rentals, small multifamily properties, or even short-term rentals in the right areas, there are plenty of opportunities.

I work with out-of-state investors all the time, helping them find and analyze deals, connect with reliable property managers, and make the process as smooth as possible. If Columbus is on your radar, I’d be happy to chat and see how I can help!

Great flip, Kim! Converting a rental into a profitable flip in a strong starter-home market is a solid strategy. Those upgrades definitely added value, and it’s impressive how quickly it moved.

Do you usually hold rentals before flipping, or was this a unique situation? Also, how do you decide when it’s the right time to sell versus keep as a rental? Would love to hear more about your approach!

@Kim Gerette Martorana

That’s a solid flip, Kim! Finding a well-maintained home in an owner-occupied area with minimal rehab is a great strategy. Smart move using private money and keeping rehab costs low.

Do you typically stick to cosmetic flips, or do you take on bigger renovations as well? Also, any specific tips on negotiating with private lenders for better terms? Would love to hear more about your process!