All Forum Posts by: Shawn Smyth

@Caleb Heimsoth I personally have about 69k in student loans, some personal and some federal.

45k personal at 6.74%

24k fed at 5.375%

I've tried several times to refinance but my DTI is always too high.

@Solomon Morris is like to go an unconventional route for sure. Seller financed, lease options...something like those. I keep a close eye on bills to make sure I'm paying the correct amounts and frequently contact our bill companies asking for any specials or what have you...

Are you familiar with using either option mentioned above? Or HELOC?

@Eugene M. Great advice! I'm halfway through his book. I've been in contact with several people regarding my situation and my interests, so I hope it pans out. I currently own a home and have ~60k of equity as it stands.

The student loans are what's killing my savings potential, but I still save what I can. My wife has far less debt having gone to CC for a few years so she's able to save more. I'll need to reconfigure a few things for sure.

@Matt M. Definitely! I'm in the process of setting up meeting with real estate agents I know and people who are currently investing.

I'm 28. I'm not broke, but I definitely don't have a huge savings. I work an 8-5 and love my dogs. My DTI ratio is about 40%, I have lots of student loan debt, and I cannot currently save but maybe $100/month.

After listening to tons of BP podcasts, it seems like most of similar people in my situation had no idea what they were doing going into their first deals...besides knowledge of terminology and what not. I'm currently reading Brandon's book on investing with low and no $, but wanted to throw some feelers out and get some opinions/advice. 

Thanks for everything!- Shawn, Baltimore, MD