All Forum Posts by: Drago Stanimirovic

Welcome, Laura! Jacksonville is a market with so much potential, and having that deep local connection gives you a real edge, especially when it comes to spotting value in distressed properties and small multifamily deals.

It’s great to hear you’re passionate about both investing and helping others reach their goals. That kind of mindset builds long-term success in this business.

Looking forward to seeing your contributions here, always room for more driven, community-focused investors. Happy to connect!

Welcome back, Abby! Sounds like you’ve laid some solid groundwork, and leveraging that equity through a 1031 is a smart play.

The biggest challenge, like you mentioned, is the timing , especially when coordinating multiple properties. Having backup properties identified early is key, and working closely with an experienced Qualified Intermediary can keep everything compliant and moving smoothly.

Also, try to stagger closings if possible, just to give yourself more breathing room within that 45-day window.

Drago

Welcome, Mark! You're stepping into a strong market, the Chicago suburbs offer solid cash flow potential, especially with 2–4 unit rentals and mid-term strategies gaining traction.

It’s smart that you’re looking for agents who truly understand investor math and not just traditional homebuying. That kind of support can make or break your early deals.

Stay active here and in your local network, you’ll gain insights quickly and find those right-fit opportunities faster.

Feel free to reach out anytime if you want to chat strategy or explore funding options tailored for your market.

Glad to have you,
Drago

Trevor, this is a common phase , when you're fired up about real estate but those close to you aren't on board. You're absolutely right to seek an outlet. Local meetups, investor groups, or forums like this are perfect places to channel that energy and connect with like-minded people.

Protect your personal relationships, but don’t hold back your passion , just share it where it’s wanted.

Happy to point you toward some solid groups if you’d like.

Drago

Welcome to the journey, Seny! Starting your investment career within the BiggerPockets community is a smart move, this is one of the best spaces to connect, learn, and grow alongside people who’ve been where you are or are just a few steps ahead.

The key early on is staying curious, asking questions, and surrounding yourself with folks who are actively doing deals. Whether you're aiming for rentals, flips, or something else entirely, you're in the right place to learn what works and avoid common pitfalls.

Feel free to reach out anytime, always happy to talk strategy or share insights on funding options when the time is right.

Wishing you a strong start,
Drago

Welcome back to the game, Shima! It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed in the beginning, managing that first rental can be a real eye-opener. The great thing is, you've already had hands-on experience, and that puts you ahead of many just starting out. Every investor has that “trial by fire” moment, and it sounds like you’ve taken a step back, regrouped, and are now ready to re-enter with more clarity.

This time around, leaning into better systems, trusted partners, and a clearer strategy can make all the difference. Whether you’re eyeing rentals again, flips, or something else entirely, the market still holds strong opportunities, especially for someone who’s been through it once before.

Feel free to reach out if you want to bounce ideas around or get insights on current financing strategies that can ease the burden.

Welcome back,
Drago

I’ll be at Caesars Palace for NAMB National this October — one of the largest national gatherings for mortgage and private-lending professionals.

If you’re attending, let’s meet up. I’ll be there representing Phoenix Funded, a direct private lender focused on Fix & Flip, DSCR, Bridge, and Construction loans nationwide.

Even if you’re not attending, I’d love to connect with investors who want to talk lending strategies, current market shifts, or how to structure deals that actually close in today’s tougher environment.

Drop a comment if you’ll be in Vegas — or message me here on BiggerPockets and we’ll set something up.

📅 October 17–20, 2025
📍 Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
🔗 https://namb.org/national/
#PrivateLending #RealEstateInvesting #Networking #NAMB #Vegas2025 #PhoenixFunded

Welcome, Chinedu  great to have another seasoned rental investor in the mix. Raleigh is a strong market with consistent population and job growth, which makes it a great base for both rentals and flips.

Since you’ve already got experience with single-family rentals, transitioning into fix and flips is a natural next step. The key difference is speed and precision, especially with contractor management and exit timing.

Looking forward to seeing how you expand your portfolio. Reach out anytime if you'd like to run numbers or sharpen your strategy.

Welcome, Daniel sounds like you're turning a tough transition into a major opportunity. Atlanta's a strong commercial real estate market with diverse asset classes and continued growth, especially around industrial, multifamily, and mixed-use developments.

Your background in EV charging could actually be an edge, especially as sustainability and infrastructure play a growing role in CRE. Plenty of investors are carving their own path outside of firms, but it takes deep market knowledge, sharp underwriting, and strong local relationships. Start building those now.

Welcome, Evan  you're stepping into the game early, and that’s a major advantage. Starting in your twenties with discipline and a long view puts time on your side. Between college and military service, you’re already building traits that translate well into real estate: structure, resilience, and a mission-driven mindset.

Use this season to learn markets, build a strong network, and understand the numbers behind a good deal. When you’re ready to move, you’ll move with confidence.

Pumped to see where this takes you, reach out anytime if I can help sharpen your strategy.