All Forum Posts by: Vladislav Bobkov

Hello BP Community! 

I am researching VA OTC loans in Southern California (Los Angeles County).
Currently in the military, and will be getting out in May 2026. I and my spouse are planning on buying a small multifamily and house hack. On public websites, I see some options to acquire a duplex in central Los Angeles under $550K which would require at least another $50K of work if I do not outsource most of the labor. I am taking a salesperson license exam this year to get into the industry and use these commissions toward closing costs. I think it would be the right direction since we already decided to buy using a VA loan and live in SC. 

Now, the VA Construction loan is something I discovered recently. I was amazed at how good this type of loan is. Naturally, I wanted to find out whether we would be able to build a brand-new fourplex in Los Angeles County. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find enough information on how to use this product in California. I have heard you have to own land with all permits and engineering completed before closing on the construction loan exclusively in California. 

With that being said, I am trying to find out if new construction is even possible and what it takes to build a small multifamily in the LA area. 

Hello BP community,

I am excited to share that my spouse has secured a job in Orlando, FL, and we are considering obtaining a conventional loan for a 2/2 single-family home or condo instead of renting, with the intention of house hacking. The job is temporary for 12 months, with the possibility of an extension, making it an ideal opportunity to get into a residential property, live in it, and house hack while working. My spouse starts her job in April 2024 and I would be joining her soon after, we are both looking forward to this new chapter.

However, I have concerns about the current homeowner's situation in Florida. I have heard unsettling stories about home insurance costs doubling or even tripling for single and small multifamily houses in certain parts of Florida. While I have yet to speak with local agents, I have noticed a significant increase in the housing supply in Orlando and its surrounding areas on public MLS. There are numerous units for sale within the same apartment and condominium communities, as well as motel/hotel complexes. This trend seems to indicate something more than just the presence of hurricane hazards.

Since we are currently in Louisiana and have not had the opportunity to explore Orlando in person, I'm turning to the BP forum for your insights.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all.