All Forum Posts by: Sophie Latapie

Hi all. I'm considering rehabbing a rental property to make it as energy efficient as possible, including replacing appliances and converting the kitchen to induction - which could (in an ideal world) bring down energy costs to almost zero. If I were to ensure zero to very minimal utility costs, I could then market the property as "all utilities included" and assume the utility bill myself. Do you think this is a compelling marketing tactic to attract renters? Would they pay a small amount over market rent if they knew they'd be saving money in the long-term by not paying utilities every month? 

Just wondering if this could be a sound marketing tactic for renters! Appreciate all insight and thanks!

Hi all! I've been on the hunt for a buy-and-hold investment property duplex in LA County where I could live in one, rent the other, and cashflow after one year. South LA seems to be the only spot where this strategy is feasible, but the area isn't great and certainly decades from gentrification. I've since turned my attention to Long Beach, CA - where neighborhoods & properties are in much better shape for similar prices. However, rents are low.

I'd love to hear from any Long Beach and/or LA investors, brokers, general neighborhood experts - does Long Beach have long-term potential? Is it a wise area to invest in if I'm looking to buy-and-hold? Or is sticking to LA County a safer bet since rents are always on the rise?

Thanks in advance for your guidance! 

Sophie

Hi all - this has all been so helpful, thanks for chiming in. 

One more question to chew on...in an effort to build my investment portfolio as quickly as possible, we're trying to house-hack 2 duplexes over the next 2 years (one duplex/year, roughly). However, it is unwise to move out of the first property before it cashflows? Understand there are other factors to consider like CoC ROI etc., but do house-hackers typically live in the property UNTIL it cash flows positive, or can they get around that? How much does that matter with respect to moving out, getting a renter in, and purchasing another house-hack deal?

Thanks in advance again for your insight! 

Sophie

@Roosevelt Townsend Those are some decent numbers! What neighborhood(s) in LA are you looking in?

@Quaid Cde Baca I definitely want to try the BRRRR method eventually, but not for my first property. Are you planning on renting both units in the duplex or living in one unit to offset costs? And then are you planning to turn the 2-car garage into a 3rd unit? Interesting idea to get the cashflow right away...

All of this is beyond helpful and has certainly allowed me to re-frame my approach. Thanks all!

@Jon Schwartz What you described in Hancock Park is exactly the type of deal my husband and I are looking for! Thank you for the offer to share your spreadsheet - I will most definitely take you up on that. Based on all the feedback, I understand that's the smartest way to find deals and measure success. Additionally, I noticed you're a realtor in the area. Would you be amenable to a virtual coffee? Would love to run some questions by you on how you found and analyzed deals (as that's my next step!). 

Thanks again everyone! 

Sophie

Hi all! Newbie, prospective investor here. I'm hoping to house hack a duplex in Los Angeles County for my first investment property, but my mortgage banker (who's also an investor) said it's pretty much impossible to find a property where the generated income covers all, if not any, of the mortgage. He also said it will take years to see cash flow. I understand I live in an expensive, competitive market - but are those realistic expectations? Is house hacking - or at the very least, seeing positive cash flow in the first year - absolutely impossible in LA County? Thank you in advance for the insight and advice!