All Forum Posts by: Stephen Ceausu

Hi Julie! I currently live in California and own a 4-plex in Riverside. I recently started looking in other states and just went into escrow on a 4-plex in Atlanta. What I’ve learned is that it’s JUST as important that the numbers pencil out on the deal as the location. Hope this helps! 

Great question! Definitely a CPA should be guiding you through the process but I think for starters having clear documentation of WHEN you moved out is critical for any buisness expenses. Think about changing mailing address to new property immediately and even drivers license. Hope this helps

That’s great to hear! Yes I think the most important thing I learned is understanding there is a “seasoning” period from when you purchased the property to when you make better cash flow. It’s a balance of increasing your income and providing enough value to the tenants for them to stay

Investment Info:

Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment.

Purchase price: $665,000
Cash invested: $166,500

Purchased a distressed 4 unit apartment all units are 2/1 in Jurupa Valley, CA. 1 unit vacant, all well below market rent. Rent at the time of purchase was 3,800. After carful consideration for remodeling rents are currently 7,000.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Upside potential, long term and stable cashflow

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

MLS listing on market 160 days+

How did you finance this deal?

25% down + 30Y Fixed rate loan

How did you add value to the deal?

Remodeling, landscaping better property management.

What was the outcome?

Great cashflow, long term happy tenants

Lessons learned? Challenges?

Communicate with tenants often, understand there needs. When a problem arises fix quickly with skilled workers.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I purchased the property representing myself and own a property management company which successfully manages the rental.

Hello everyone I'm from California and was wondering if any of you have a lender who will do a HELOC on an investment property. Thank you in advance

Hello everyone! I’m currently looking at a specific property on Auction.com. I’ve never bought a property off the website so I was hoping someone could walk me through the steps, pitfalls and answer a few question. The property is in Orange County CA

@Stephen Ceausu specifically off market

Other then Zillow, Redfin, LoopNet and MLS how are other ways you guys source your off market deals? How do you find out if they are late on payments?