All Forum Posts by: Terrance Teague

Hi Adam,

Great to see you're thinking long-term and planning to build a portfolio over time. BiggerPockets is an awesome place to start, there’s a wealth of knowledge here, and the community is incredibly supportive.

One tip: Take advantage of the forums, podcasts, and blog posts daily, even if it's just for 10–15 minutes. I’ve picked up a ton in a short time just by staying active and soaking up as much info as I can.

Best of luck!

Hey Chaston!

Sounds like you’re in a great position to get started!

One piece of advice I’d offer is to carve out a little time each day to be active here on BiggerPockets. In the short time I’ve been using the forum, I’ve already learned a ton just by reading through posts, asking questions, and connecting with others. There’s so much knowledge being shared here daily.

Also, kudos to you for thinking long-term and being willing to start small to build your foundation, that mindset will take you far. I’m not based in Mount Belvieu, but I’m sure someone local will chime in soon. In the meantime, stay active and keep asking questions!

Hey Kristin!

This sounds like a great event. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make it this week, but I’d love to start attending in the future. How often do you all host these meetups?

Looking forward to connecting soon!

Richard,

Awesome, this sounds like a great opportunity to connect with others in the industry! I work for a Property Management group here in the DFW area and also work closely with investors, so I wanted to ask if this meetup is open to property managers as well, or is it more focused on Realtors and investors? I’d love to attend and contribute if it’s a good fit. Looking forward to hearing more!

Hey Jamil,

Congrats on stacking up that $80K! That's a strong position to be in, especially if you're looking to use the BRRRR method.

If you're exploring out-of-state markets, I highly recommend taking a close look at the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX. It’s one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the country, with strong population growth, job diversity, and plenty of neighborhoods that work well for both appreciation and cash flow, which is ideal for BRRRR.

There are still solid opportunities in parts of DFW and the surrounding suburbs where purchase prices and rehab costs can fit well within your budget. 

If you ever want to talk through DFW-specific strategies, neighborhoods, or just bounce around some ideas, feel free to reach out. Always happy to connect and help however I can.

Wishing you the best as you get started!

Hi Karina,

That’s a great question! I’m in the process of learning more about STRs management myself, and I was under the impression that comforters were typically washed after each guest stay. Is that not always the standard? I’d love to hear what others are doing and what guests expect.

Soaking up all the knowledge I can!

Hi Paulina,

You're clearly running the numbers and thinking long-term, which already puts you ahead of the game!

A few thoughts that may or may not help:

1. Covering LA rent and subsidizing a property that’s cash flow negative by $23K in year one is a big financial lift, especially when you're just starting out. Even though that number shrinks over time, it’s still a lot of out of pocket expense to carry unless you have strong reserves and job stability. Negative cash flow can be manageable if you think long-term as part of a bigger strategy.

2. If putting down 20% turns the property cashflow positive that’s worth serious consideration. It reduces your monthly burden, which would make me feel better.

3. Since you plan to move back in 3–4 years, waiting to house hack could make a lot of sense. You’d reduce your living expenses, gain experience managing tenants, and buy at a time when you're actually in the market physically, giving you better control and options.

In my opinion you’re thinking about all the right things, so trust your gut and enjoy the process!

Bryant,

Congrats on making it work as a team with your wife! That first rental is often the hardest, and it’s awesome to hear it’s already cash flowing for you.

I’m based here in DFW and just want to say, there’s so much opportunity in DFW and the surrounding cities for all types of investors. Whether you’re looking for cash flow, appreciation, or value-add opportunities, there’s something for just about every strategy. Yes, property taxes can be high, but depending on the area and type of property, you can still find solid deals that more than make up for it.

That said, I totally understand the appeal of looking at other markets too, especially in the Midwest where entry prices and taxes can be much lower. It really comes down to your goals, time commitment, and whether you want to manage locally or go turnkey/partner with a team elsewhere.

Wishing you and your wife continued success on your journey!

Ben

Welcome to the community, and congrats on taking the first step! Real estate can be a powerful tool to create income, flexibility, and long-term freedom, especially when you’re motivated by a bigger purpose like supporting your family and pursuing ministry goals.

Wishing you the best on your journey, and feel free to reach out if you ever want to network or bounce around ideas!

Anthony,

Congrats on your first deal!  That townhome sounds like a solid investment, especially with only minor updates needed. 

As you get ready to lease it out, here are a few tips that I like to give to help you hit the ground running as a new landlord:

1. Screen Tenants Thoroughly – Credit, background, rental history, and income verification are key. A solid tenant can make or break the experience.

2. Use a Strong Lease Agreement – Make sure it’s state-specific and clearly outlines rules, responsibilities, and expectations for both sides.

3. Get Your Systems in Place – Whether you self-manage or hire a property manager, having tools for rent collection, maintenance requests, and communication will save you a ton of time and stress.

4. Plan for Maintenance – Set aside reserves for ongoing maintenance and unexpected repairs.

If you ever need help with property management or want to bounce around ideas, feel free to connect. I work with investors regularly and always enjoy helping new landlords navigate those beginning steps.

Best of luck!