All Forum Posts by: Min Zhang

Hey Samuel! A property might meet the 1% rule on paper, or even exceed it, but once you dig into the neighborhood you might find it's not the kind of area you'd feel comfortable investing in. Even before you have a deal, reach out to agents, PMs, and contractors in your target markets. Ask them questions about what types of rentals perform best, and which areas to avoid. They can help you avoid "trap" properties that look great on paper but would be difficult to rent out or maintain.

Nothing beats seeing it in person. But if you can’t, make sure to get boots-on-the-ground feedback from trusted contacts. Hope this helps and best of luck on your search!

Welcome to the community Tye! You're in the right place to learn about real estate investing. I'm excited to see you grow!

Hey Thomas! What markets are you looking so far?  Beyond the numbers, take a closer look at what’s driving the local economy. Strong job growth, a rising population, and a mix of industries usually point to steady demand for rentals. Low vacancy rates often mean renters want to be there, and that makes life a lot easier for landlords.  Buying investments where property values are likely to rise over time helps you build equity and leave something meaningful for your kids. Best of luck on your journey!

Hey Jacob, I recommend doing househack if you can with an FHA loan as a great option since it requires a lower down payment (as low as 3.5%). If you're strictly buying as an investment and do out of state route, a conventional loan usually requires 20-25% down. I'd start by doing due diligence and researching markets that align with your goals and budget. If you ever want to brainstorm options, I'm happy to chat!

A good first investment would be a single-family home or a small multifamily (2-4 units). For a single-family, you'll need around 15% down, and for multifamily, it's about 25%. Also, make sure to have some extra cash for reserves (maintenance, unexpected costs). Best of liuck on your journey Keegan!

Hi Ugin, I’ve rarely come across any seller-financed deals on the market. There isn’t really a way to filter for them specifically, but it’s usually mentioned in the listing description if the seller is offering it. Hope that helps!

What helped me was first getting clear on my goals (cash flow vs. appreciation, budget, property type). I highly recommend to do your research on market and create a shortlist base on your goal/strategy, then start networking with local agents and property managers to get a feel for each market. A great local team is key, especially if you want a hands-off approach. I started small with a single-family home in a stable, cash-flowing area, and it was a great learning experience. Biggest lesson: vet your property manager carefully. They’re your boots on the ground and make a huge difference. Good luck Deepika!

Hey John! I recommend focusing on growing markets with solid fundamentals. Look for areas with strong population growth, new job opportunities, or improving infrastructure. These factors usually lead to steady property value increases over time.

For new investors, starting with single-family or multi-family properties is a great option. For multi family, if one unit is vacant, the rent from the others can help cover your mortgage, reducing the financial risk. Plus, it lets you build equity while living in one unit and renting out the others if you go house hack route. Best of luck and I'm happy to connect if you want to brainstorm strategies!

Hey Sara! One of the best first steps is to surround yourself with other investors. Try attending local networking events or REI meetups if there's one in your area. There's so much to learn just by being in the room and hearing real stories from active investors.

Also, start researching different markets and analyzing deals, even if you’re not ready to buy yet. It’s a great way to get your feet wet and start building that investor mindset. The more deals you look at, the more confident you’ll become at spotting what makes a good one.

Best of luck and I'm excited to see you grow!

@Victor Mejia I recommend starting local if you can, just because you'll learn a ton by being hands-on. But buying out of state is also an option as long as it aligns with your investment goals. If you go the out-of-state route, be ready to lean hard on your local team (property manager, contractor, etc.). You won't be there to check on things, so having people you trust on the ground is everything. Also expect to spend extra time upfront researching the market, vetting your team, and making sure the numbers truly work after all expenses. For your second question, I recommend you look into HELOC. Hope this helps!