All Forum Posts by: Johnny Lynum

Hey, welcome Jeffery! You're in the right place to learn and grow— stay curious, ask questions, and take it one step at a time. You’ve got this! 

Hi Natasha! (long response ahead)

First off, I just want to say I see you—and you're doing the best you can under some tough circumstances. That takes serious strength. I know it feels like you're climbing a mountain right now, but listen, you’ve got what it takes to keep moving forward. 

Real talk: investing is not easy, especially starting out. For most people, it’s a grind at the beginning—whether they say it or not. A lot of the stories we see are the “highlight reels,” but the messy part? That’s where growth happens. I’ve had my fair share of obstacles, too, so hear me when I say this—it’s normal to feel stuck sometimes. You’re not alone in that.

1. Your Home: Renting it out could generate cash flow, or selling might give you funds to reset. You could also house-hack by renting out a room—start small and build from there.
2. Hard Money Loans: They’re helpful for flips but come with high interest. Move at your own pace; don’t feel pressured.
3. Getting Around: Rideshare or public transit works. People may have opinions, but use what works for you.
4. Finding a Mentor: LinkedIn or Facebook groups are great for finding mentors. There are tons of valuable posts, learning materials, and great individuals here on Biggerposckets- so this is already a good start. No need to have it all figured out—just be open to learning.
5. Your Situation: Losing a job is tough, but you’re smart to protect your credit and explore benefits. You’re doing everything right—step by step.

This journey isn’t easy, but you’ve got what it takes. Every small win matters.  You’ve come this far, and you’re still standing. Don’t count yourself out. Keep pushing—you’re building something that’s going to pay off. You’ve got this. 

Hey Mike, would love to connect with you! First off, major respect for transitioning from MLB to RE—it’s a whole new kind of game, right? I’m a big fan of multifamily deals and syndication myself—definitely where the real wealth-building happens.

As for meetups, I'm part of a few real estate groups, especially REI Genius that hosts some great events, both in-person and virtually. I'd be happy to share some Nashville connections—let's see how we can collaborate!

Hey Daniel! 👋

Thanks for sharing David Greene’s book! I totally get wanting local insights in the Sacramento area; it can really help.

With your hands-on experience in flips and rentals, you're already ahead. I'm not local but, if you want to connect and share ideas about BRRRR and Flips, I'm here for it! Let's make it happen!

Hey Naveen!

Thanks for sharing this! That 14-unit complex sounds like a solid opportunity, especially with those separate meters and central HVAC. Here’s my take:

1. Consideration: Absolutely! College towns are usually gold mines for rentals, especially with a mix of 2-bed and 1-bed units. You’ve got a ready market with students and faculty.
2. First-Timer Fix-Up: You can definitely pursue this! Every pro was once a beginner. Just make sure you have a good team (contractors, inspectors) lined up to help you navigate the renovations. Lean on your network for advice—don’t hesitate to ask questions!
3. Good Offer Price: Without knowing the current bleeding amount, it's tough to give a precise number, but generally, aim for 70-80% of the after-repair value (ARV) minus the cost of repairs. If you can do some math on the potential rent increases post-renovation, that'll help justify your offer.

Don’t shy away from feedback; it’s how we all grow. You’ve got this—looking forward to hearing how it goes!

Best,

Johnny

So true! With no waiting around, the right lender lets you cash out immediately after rehab. Time to scale faster and keep that capital in motion! Thanks for sharing, Nick!

Hey Hilda & Chris,

Man, I feel this on a personal level! Out-of-state investing can be a beast, especially when things go off the rails with project managers and consultants. Glad to hear Melissa Hudson came through for you—sounds like she’s the real MVP! It’s rare to find someone who not only steps up but truly has your back when the pressure's on.

Thanks for sharing your story. If she can navigate through that kind of mess and still pull off a win, that’s exactly who you need in your corner.

Wishing you both smooth deals moving forward! 

Johnny

Hey Nate, I love to house hack too (used it several times using my VA loan)!

First off, solid plan with Anderson, SC – love the flexibility of those basements! Here’s a quick take on your questions:

1️⃣ Do you need a business set up?
No need right out the gate. Since you'll be living there, it's more like managing a roommate or tenant situation. However, once you move out and rent both units, forming an LLC might be worth looking into for liability protection.

2️⃣ Zoning concerns?
Yeah, it’s worth checking with the local zoning office. Some areas might have restrictions on renting portions of a home, especially basements. If they have any rules about short-term vs. long-term rentals, you’ll want to know upfront to avoid headaches.

Also, keep an eye on tax implications – renting while living there can open up some sweet deductions. :) 

Sounds like you're setting yourself up for success! Knock out that first property and you’re on your way to building wealth one unit at a time. On to the next one! 🚀

Good luck, brother – feel free to reach out if you need anything else!

Johnny

Hey, Alan! Love this post—spot-on advice for new investors and househackers. I can’t stress enough how important it is to stay focused and avoid some of these common pitfalls early on.

Quick thoughts:

Find the right Realtor – Make sure they’ve got some skin in the game with househacking or investment experience.
Budget = Game Plan – That pre-approval is your marching orders. Without it, you're flying blind.
"Built-as" multifamily > Conversions – Those older conversions can be a money pit. If it wasn’t gutted and rehabbed properly, steer clear unless you’ve got the stomach for big projects.
Pretty ain't everything – Solid mechanicals > Shiny kitchen. Your future self will thank you when the HVAC doesn’t quit in the middle of summer!
Owner-occupied = Better shape – They treat it like home, not just an investment. Even if it’s outdated, you’ll likely find fewer headaches.
Think long-term with leases – If rents are below market, that's just room for growth. Be patient, and the numbers will work in your favor.

Great advice all around—thanks for sharing! 🙌

Hey Craig, welcome! 

It’s great to connect with another investor. I'm active duty Air Force and into real estate too, currently building my portfolio as well. I know how exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) scaling up can be.

If you ever want to swap stories, and strategies, or just chat about deals, let's connect!