All Forum Posts by: Steven W.

I agree with you completely @Amit M. Oakland probably is the wild wild west, and slight tremors in SF could cause earthquakes in Oakland's real estate scene. But SF rental prices are so insane--2 bedroom places going for 5K--that more and more folks will be heading over there.

But beware--bad areas can be really bad and don't gentrify, at least not quickly. I don't think Oakland is one of those places to invest in sight unseen.

Steven

Wow, 200+ days on MLS! And I know what you mean about rent control units--that can be an absolute killer when looking at properties.

J.

I agree wholeheartedly with your view of Oakland. I live in SF, and I think that Oakland is more dynamic, interesting, diverse and has more energy around it than the city by the bay. 

I would have thought that the areas that you mentioned were already sky high in prices, so if there are still some good values out there in multi-unit buildings, I'd love to hear about them!

Steven

Hi @Orion Walker I come up to Ukiah from time to time as I do some work with their school district. I was even thinking of doing some investing in Ukiah as a investment/second home possibility. I'm curious to know if you've been able to make anything work up there.

Thanks @Brandon Turner for the welcome! I'm working on the keyword alerts now.

Steven

Hi @Zach Winner  and welcome to the site. I live in the Bay Area now, but I was raised in Encino and just spent the holidays there back at my folks' place. Looking forward to hearing about your adventures in real estate in the SFV.

Steven

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. I appreciate the advice as well. As soon as I finish refinancing the last two of my properties, I'm going to look to buy 2 more within the coming year. I'll be getting close to my limit of 10 properties, so I'll be looking for a portfolio lender at some point as well.

Thanks again,

Steven

Hi Russ,

I've used Adiel Gorel's group for the purchase of 6 single family dwellings in the past. I have had only good experiences with them--they find very good realtors who know their markets (and understand what investors are looking for) and they line property management companies up for you.

I would say that if you are looking for a "hands-off approach" to buy and hold RE investing, his group is a very good resource. I'll be attending his next event in South San Francisco (free for those who subscribe to his emails) on Dec. 6th. There's never been any pressure to buy at all, and Adiel has been very generous with his time.

Feel free to ask any other questions,

Steven

Hi everyone,

My name is Steven Weiss. My family and I live in San Francisco. I work at Stanford U. as an educational researcher, and I also have my own educational consultancy.

Starting about five years ago, my wife and I bought 6  small houses throughout the U.S.--two in Denver, two in Charlotte, one in Raleigh and another in OKC. We are looking to buy up to four more in markets with strong economic foundations. 

As my wife and I both work (and have 2 kids), we are looking for pretty hands-off buy and hold opportunities, using property management companies. Short term cash flow is not our most important driver--rather, I am looking to pay for my children's college expenses and prepare myself for retirement in another 15 years or so.

Looking forward to the conversation!

steven