All Forum Posts by: Steven Goldman

While I generally agree with most of the comments the answer can be wildly divergent. Are you looking in the rural area or the city? Are you planning to BRRR or flip? Is it a C quality rehab or B? Pa prices will definitely be lower than New York. But the factors are as follows:

1. Location

2. Size of property

3. Quality of rehab.

4. Quality of contractor

When you know the answers to those questions, you will be able to get a reliable answer to your question. Cheaper in the Poconos than Philly. Cheaper in Pittsburgh than Philly. Cheaper in central pa than either Pittsburgh or Philly. Good luck.

Sponsoring a meetup is more about event planning than real estate. So if you are organized you can plan the meetup.  If you spend the time, you will expand your connections and improve your knowledge. Ultimately, making you more capable when you make your first move. You might even find an investor with money, no experience, little courage and time, to team up with you . Sometimes, the difference between success and failure is all how you look at it. Take action. If nothing happens, nothing happens!

@jonathangreene  Spot on!

As an investor lender we see wide disparities in rehab. proposals from General Contractors. Rule number 1 is the contractor wants to get the job. Many contractors will under bid the job(Like a realtor over valuing a house, to get the listing) When the work begins hidden, or undefined work, results in a ballooning budget and disharmony between the investor and the contractor. I am suspicious of very low quotes. One of the ways to combat this is to get 4-5 proposals and never accept the lowest or the highest. There exist a myriad of good estimating software which will skew the pricing to your region. I always run my own estimate as a extra check on the reliability of the contractors proposals. 

Often your low ball proposal is not specific as to scope of work. You discover that the contractor only intends to use a single coat of paint, or reuse materials which you wanted replaced. Repair not replace the roof. So detailed scope of work is essential. All of the proposals should be for the identical job. Do not add, or subtract work, from your proposal requests or you may be unable to compare one to the other. Do not forget to get an estimated time to completion.  Time is money. Some of the lower priced contractors take on too much work. Your job drags on, causing you on your interest, or the time value of your money. 

Every professional that you work with should bring some experience to the table in the real estate and construction fields.  Your lender, broker, lawyer, banker or partner should all have sufficient experience in the real estate rehabbing and investment field, to help provide you the information you need to be successful. Good luck. Real estate is my passion. 

The Poconos in North eastern Pennsylvania still has  reasonable threshold pricing to enter the market. Close to New York and the NYC party location of preference. Carbon, Monroe  and other counties in PA. Ski areas, lakes and plenty of space to make noise. Gated communities to prevent over occupancy. Finally, second home conventional financing for your first purchase. 

I totally agree with @joejohnson. As a broker I advise my borrowers who need down payment assistance to form partnerships with a partner who can supply the capital. Obviously, you will want to make the best deal. In many cases surrendering a 50 percent share of the deal will be necessary. One hundred percent of nothing, is nothing.  

As an alternative, funding companies will lend you money without regard to your income. The rate is higher, but they underwrite their loans based on debt service coverage.(1.0 or greater) So you need the down payment, and closing cost money, but they do not depend on your income to approve your application. (You need six months cash reserve in order to be approved.) Good luck. Real estate investing !is a great journey! 

A three two always has greater market value. If you are doing it yourself it is a no brainer! Do it and good luck!

First, congratulations on your properties in Delray Beach what a great place. My parents lived in the area for 25 years. Great beach, restaurants and music venues. I will miss Doc's drive in. I read that a number of developers have started building or demolition of structures without the cities permission which really pissed them off.(Especially if you are in the historic district.) So, talk to the zoning and building department to determine the building codes and zoning codes that will apply to your project.  Things always work better if you communicate with the city prior to construction and get them on board with your concept. Good luck 

I agree with every thing Wayne said.... My point was you need to find the product to match the problem. I know of multi family lenders that will do 5-8 units but you need at least 20 percent down. You should probably stay away from multi units if you do not have adequate cash reserves on hand or, available for contingencies. Good luck!