All Forum Posts by: Travis Wylie

For real estate attorney needs check out Adam Deluca from Alllied Attorneys in Carlisle, PA.  PM me if you need his contact info.

My first house hack was in September 2015. I bought a 4 unit property in midtown Harrisburg. I didn't know anything about real estate investing at the time and really had no money saved up, but had a nice chunk of change in 401(k) that I was allowed to take a loan out on. Since the loan was for a primary residence I was able to get a 15 year loan. I offered full asking price with max sellers hep on an FHA loan (6%). I look back at how highly leveraged I was because not only was 97.5% of the house leveraged but I also borrowed the funds for the down payment (very risky). Luckily, I lucked out in that the house was cash flowing from day 1. Two of the units were already occupied, and those rents covered my PITI. My friend moved into the third unit, which was straight profit that I could throw towards personal utilities ($725 a month). After getting paid to live here, I quickly saw the power of real estate and started learning as much as I could. I'm not up 14 units in 3 years and I have no doubts that it was my first initial house hack that allowed me to sky rocket my wealth very quickly. If it's suitable to a person's lifestyle, I would highly recommend house hacking as a great first investment to get into real estate investing.

Welcome! I'm pretty local to you. I would definitely check out the Lancaster REI meetup in the area. You can download the 'meetup' app and search real estate. You will find a lot of local players that will be able to help provide guidance and refer you to other people in their network.

Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.

You can download the meetup app and search Real Estate, and see if there are any closer meetups near Altoona.  I can vouch for all the Harrisburg area meetups that were referenced above.  They are great and well worth it!

@David Krulac The Wormleysburg property is doing well now.  We had to do redo some of the plumbing in the basement, but I don't think that was a big surprise.  It's cash flowing pretty good though.  We got it rented out at $960.  My friend is very excited about the house he purchased off you, and I'm hoping learn from him as he rehabs it so I can mimic a similar process in the near future.  Hope to see you soon!

@Justin Dixon  I don't have anything in those areas, but I do like Carlisle.  You have Dickinson Law School, the Army War College, many warehouses, Giant food store headquarters, and many of the surrounding school districts (Carlisle, Boiling Springs, Big Springs, Cumberland Valley, Mechanicsburg) are pretty good.  

I'm curious what a heavy hitter like @David Krulac thinks of Steelton and Carlisle?  

Cumberland and Dauphin counties in central PA have continued to be the fast growing counties in the state.

Hello @Katie Weinstein!  Another option is to consider some form of seller/creative financing if you're not having much luck qualify for a commercial loan.  Also, what area of Pennsylvania are you considering to invest in?

Hello @David Rosengaft! I invest in the Harrisburg and surrounding areas.  I would highly recommend the Central PA area.  Let me know if you have any questions or if I can be of any help!

Sometimes when I need someone to do some work I'll just Thumbtack or Home Advisor apps.  Good luck in your search!  Finding that good contractor is a constant struggle!