All Forum Posts by: Arman Ahmed

@Edward James smith

Hi Edward — exciting venture! Running an adult family home can be a great combination of passion and profit. A few things to focus on: make sure the property is fully compliant with local licensing and safety codes, plan for sufficient staffing (especially backup coverage), and consider the layout and accessibility for seniors—ADA compliance and easy navigation are key. Also, factor in ongoing operational costs like insurance, maintenance, and utilities. Even though I primarily invest in Midwest real estate, the same principle applies: vet properties carefully, plan cash flow conservatively, and build systems to manage efficiently.

@Mark Gilliland

Welcome, Mark — sounds like you've built a ton of experience across different strategies. I like how you shifted into developing to create equity from day one; that's a smart way to combine appreciation and cash flow. I invest in the Midwest, primarily using buy-and-hold and BRRRR strategies, and what I've found valuable is focusing on consistent cash flow and predictable returns while building long-term equity.

@Motti Kallus

Congrats on looking into your first STR, Motti. Having 12 months of financials is a great starting point since you can validate actual occupancy and ADR, but STRs in South Florida do carry extra risk factors—local regulations can shift quickly, insurance is expensive, and seasonality is huge. A good stress test is to underwrite as if you had to rent the property long-term—would it still cash flow or at least break even? That way, you're protected if regulations change or if demand softens. I invest in the Midwest where returns are steadier but less dramatic, and the same principle applies anywhere: make sure the deal works under multiple exit strategies, not just as an STR.

@Alexis Martinez

Welcome, Alexis! Great to see your enthusiasm—house flipping and rentals are both powerful ways to build wealth, and starting by learning from others is the right move. A good first step is clarifying your strategy (active like flips vs. longer-term like rentals) and then networking with local investors, contractors, and agents who know your market. Analyze lots of deals, even if you don’t buy yet—it trains your eye for what works. I invest in the Midwest, and one thing I’ve learned is that having strong systems (contractors, property managers, deal flow) makes all the difference. BiggerPockets calculators and podcasts are excellent free tools to start with.

@Coty Schmidt

Congrats on closing, Coty! Sounds like you underwrote conservatively, which is great. For the upstairs, I’d prioritize the “first impression” items—fresh paint, new flooring, and a clean vanity go a long way with renters. A washer/dryer combo can be a strong rent bump if comps in your area show demand for it, but I’d compare that cost vs. rent increase before pulling the trigger. On the thermostat, long-term you’ll want some independent control (mini split or separate zone) since tenants value comfort and it helps avoid disputes. For rehab, I’d keep it minimal if rental history is strong—upgrade only where you’ll see a clear return. I invest in the Midwest myself, and a lot of landlords I know follow the same “minimal first, upgrade later” approach to balance cash flow with smart improvements.

@Komlan Kassegne

Welcome to BP, Komlan! Excited to see you starting your journey. The best first step is to really lock in on a strategy—whether that's house hacking, BRRRR, or small multifamily. Even if you're based in Fairfax, you don't necessarily need to stay local; fundamentals like cash flow, financing, and exit strategy apply everywhere. I invest primarily in the Midwest, and the key has been focusing on markets where the numbers make sense and building a solid local team. Are you leaning toward buying locally in Virginia or open to out-of-state opportunities?

@Alisa Knauss

Welcome Alisa! Since you’re exploring income properties, the key is focusing on cashflow, deal analysis, and understanding your local rental market. I invest in the Midwest, and many investors I work with find lower acquisition costs and stronger cashflow compared to higher-priced markets. Starting with a single-family rental or small multifamily property is a great way to gain experience while building long-term wealth.

@Idriss Aime

Welcome Idriss! Since you’re new to real estate investing, I’d focus on building a strong foundation first — learning deal analysis, cashflow calculations, and networking with local investors, agents, and contractors. Starting small with a single-family rental or house hack can give you practical experience while minimizing risk. Happy to share tips or answer questions as you get started.

@Red Nansa matabisi

Welcome Red! Since you’re new, the best first step is focusing on learning the basics — understanding cashflow, deal analysis, and building a reliable network of agents, lenders, and contractors. Start small, maybe with a single-family rental or house hack, to gain experience before tackling bigger deals. Happy to share tips or answer questions as you get started.

@George Agyapong

George, multifamily properties can help reduce your W2 tax burden through deductions like mortgage interest, property taxes, depreciation, and operating expenses. I invest in the Midwest and have seen how properly structured multifamily deals can generate both cashflow and tax benefits. Short-term rentals and commercial properties have different tax profiles, so discuss with your CPA how each option affects taxable income. Ask about depreciation schedules, passive loss rules, and balancing cashflow versus tax advantages.