Interesting data - I still wonder where the western NC second home market is going to settle out from all of this.100%+ price increases since 2019, prices seem down a little from the 2023 peak, but it also looks like a seller's strike in the market I'm occasionally looking in.Not that many listings, still elevated prices, and properties either get pulled after 3-4 months or there's a grindy sales process and eventually someone buys for a little less than the previous comp.

When I was deciding whether to pull cash out, I found doing an engineered cost segregation study created way more useful cash flow for me than a high-interest loan ever could.

It’s systems vs stress.For a first duplex, out of state, here’s how I’d think about it:When self-managing can workSelf-management is realistic if you have all of the following in place:A reliable local handyman who answers calls and bills promptlyA clear tenant screening framework (income, rental history, evictions, consistency)Management software for rent collection, maintenance tickets, and documentationA local leasing solution (lockboxes, self-showings, or a paid runner)Familiarity with Ohio landlord-tenant laws and leasesIf any one of those is weak, self-managing becomes reactive very fast.The biggest mistake new owners makePeople underestimate leasing and screening, not maintenance.Bad tenants cost far more than 10% management fees ever will.If you self-manage, you must:Control screening criteria yourselfNever bend standards to “fill the unit”Treat leasing like a system, not a favorSoftware that’s “enough” for small portfoliosFor 1–5 units:TenantCloudAvailBuildium (solid but heavier than you need at first)You don’t need enterprise tools.

One fine late July day, I pulled up for a routine post move-out unit inspection and the air itself felt… thick… and I already knew that I was about to earn my paycheck in a way no spreadsheet could ever justify.Door opens.Immediate sensory assault.Imagine if a fast-food dumpster and a gym sock had a baby and raised it inside a humidifier.

I am still in the learning process of this all so definitely do your research before pulling the trigger

(Gross Rent x 0.92) for vacancy.Minus (Taxes/Insurance/Utilities) - pull real numbers from the county tax site, don't guess.Minus Mortgage Payment.If that number is positive by a margin you like (e.g., $100/door), then it’s worth opening the offering memorandum.Tools:The BiggerPockets calculators are obviously great for this.

A 1031 at that time is a great strategy to get into a brand-new property or pull the equity out at year 5 on and buy another and have 2 producing properties.

I have a zoned Parcel of C2 in escrow, that has a triplex and a small novelty store. they are detached from one another. and their is still a tremendous amount of space to build a ADU, duplex etc.it is a C2 zoned parcel. with the right steps to take with contacting Bakersfield's planning division, and get a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) with planes. is it possible to pull it off to build a ADU, Duplex ?

MomsHouse.com / Philip VincentKnown Positioning:Pitched as a “solution for senior transitions” — connecting families with “certified investors” to buy houses quickly when seniors move to care homes.Philip Vincent has presented himself as an authority in ethical wholesaling, often speaking on podcasts and in affiliate networks.Promises of pre-vetted leads and “insider access” to families working with senior placement agents.🚨 Red Flags to Investigate:Exploitative Positioning: Framing distressed elderly home sales as "leads" without proper consent from families or guardians.Certification Gimmicks: “Certified Investor” badge may hold no legal weight—used to justify upsell coaching and access fees.Upfront Buy-in Fees: Known to charge large access or onboarding fees to investors (often $10K+).Misuse of Influence: Repeated podcast tours and affiliate deals suggest a guru marketing cycle, not eldercare expertise. 

Are you pulling it off?