Here’s the listing:--> https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/398-402-Boston-Post-Rd-Wa... price: $350,000My plan:Live in the smaller homeRent the larger home immediately (after light cosmetic work)Use FHA (3.5% down) + CHFA (down payment assistance)Reduce my personal housing cost as much as possibleSlowly fix my unit over timeBuild equity and eventually refinance to help fund a future businessNUMBERSPurchase Price Target:Offer target: $260,000Expected seller counter: $275,000–$300,000Currently listed at: $350,000FINANCING (FHA + CHFA)FHA 3.5% downDown payment covered by CHFA assistance programEstimated interest rate: ~6.5–7%MONTHLY PAYMENT ESTIMATES (P&I + Taxes + Insurance)At $275,000 purchase:Mortgage (P&I): ~$1,775Taxes: ~$420Insurance: ~$150--> Estimated Total: ~$2,350/monthAt $300,000 purchase:Mortgage (P&I): ~$1,940Taxes: ~$420Insurance: ~$150--> Estimated Total: ~$2,510/monthRENTAL INCOME ESTIMATE (Big House)Based on local comps:Low: $1,700/monthTypical: $1,800–$1,950/monthStrong (clean/paint/update): $2,000–$2,100/monthMY OUT-OF-POCKET HOUSING COST AFTER RENTIf I rent the big house at $1,900/month:At $275k: ~$450/monthAt $300k: ~$610/monthIf I rent at $2,000/month:At $275k: ~$350/monthAt $300k: ~$510/month(I currently pay $0 in rent living with family, so my goal is to keep my costs low while building equity.)REHAB ESTIMATESBig House (rent-ready):Cleaning + paint + small fixes: $1,000–$3,500Optional cosmetic upgrades: $2,000–$5,000Small House (my unit):Cosmetic repairs only: $500–$3,000Optional improvements (done slowly): $2,000–$7,000Major systems (worst-case ranges):Roof: $8k–$12kBoiler: $4k–$8kElectrical panel: $1,500–$4,000Plumbing repairs: $500–$2,000 typical(Inspection will tell me more.)CASH NEEDED TO CLOSEWith CHFA:Down payment: $0 out of pocketClosing costs: varies, but often reducedExpected out-of-pocket: $1,400–$1,800Inspection: $400–$600Appraisal: $500–$700MY FINANCIAL POSITION(To give you context for risk tolerance)Income: $5,000–$6,000/monthMonthly bills: ~$2,600Emergency fund: $10,000Credit: 717Access to 0% APR business credit card (likely $8k–$12k limit)Currently pay $0 rent (living with family)MY QUESTIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY1.)

Here’s the listing:--> https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/398-402-Boston-Post-Rd-Wa... price: $350,000My plan:Live in the smaller homeRent the larger home immediately (after light cosmetic work)Use FHA (3.5% down) + CHFA (down payment assistance)Reduce my personal housing cost as much as possibleSlowly fix my unit over timeBuild equity and eventually refinance to help fund a future businessNUMBERSPurchase Price Target:Offer target: $260,000Expected seller counter: $275,000–$300,000Currently listed at: $350,000FINANCING (FHA + CHFA)FHA 3.5% downDown payment covered by CHFA assistance programEstimated interest rate: ~6.5–7%MONTHLY PAYMENT ESTIMATES (P&I + Taxes + Insurance)At $275,000 purchase:Mortgage (P&I): ~$1,775Taxes: ~$420Insurance: ~$150--> Estimated Total: ~$2,350/monthAt $300,000 purchase:Mortgage (P&I): ~$1,940Taxes: ~$420Insurance: ~$150--> Estimated Total: ~$2,510/monthRENTAL INCOME ESTIMATE (Big House)Based on local comps:Low: $1,700/monthTypical: $1,800–$1,950/monthStrong (clean/paint/update): $2,000–$2,100/monthMY OUT-OF-POCKET HOUSING COST AFTER RENTIf I rent the big house at $1,900/month:At $275k: ~$450/monthAt $300k: ~$610/monthIf I rent at $2,000/month:At $275k: ~$350/monthAt $300k: ~$510/month(I currently pay $0 in rent living with family, so my goal is to keep my costs low while building equity.)REHAB ESTIMATESBig House (rent-ready):Cleaning + paint + small fixes: $1,000–$3,500Optional cosmetic upgrades: $2,000–$5,000Small House (my unit):Cosmetic repairs only: $500–$3,000Optional improvements (done slowly): $2,000–$7,000Major systems (worst-case ranges):Roof: $8k–$12kBoiler: $4k–$8kElectrical panel: $1,500–$4,000Plumbing repairs: $500–$2,000 typical(Inspection will tell me more.)CASH NEEDED TO CLOSEWith CHFA:Down payment: $0 out of pocketClosing costs: varies, but often reducedExpected out-of-pocket: $1,400–$1,800Inspection: $400–$600Appraisal: $500–$700MY FINANCIAL POSITION(To give you context for risk tolerance)Income: $5,000–$6,000/monthMonthly bills: ~$2,600Emergency fund: $10,000Credit: 717Access to 0% APR business credit card (likely $8k–$12k limit)Currently pay $0 rent (living with family)MY QUESTIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY1.)

On buys, prioritize stable areas and light‑lift assets you can turn fast; on sells, price to the last comp and watch showings weekly.

Before you pull cash, lock your buy box and process: target light or hybrid BRRRs in solid working‑class areas, underwrite to be all‑in at or below roughly three‑quarters of a conservative ARV, and make sure it still cash flows after refi at today’s rates.

They are a large company that has buying power and a network of contractors realtors and others to do the work. the owner, Zach also here on BiggerPockets and has a stellar reputation for customer serviceFor cons - people will view some companies in a negative light because of this, but the reality is the individual who is thinking negatively is typically inexperienced and doesn't understand the businessbut....this is a reality as someone who has been in this space for almost 30 years.Contractors realtors, and others one day could be an A player and do great work.

This upgrade dramatically reduces bathroom maintenance calls.Quality Fixtures with Smart Finishes Choose mid-range fixtures with brushed nickel, black, or chrome finishes.

If you want to own rentals sooner, house hack a small multi or partner on a light value‑add using private money while you learn.

Depending on the property, a light-to-moderate renovation, would be $800-$2,500 per unit. 

Guidelines to follow:Only buy in low-cost markets if your costs stay under 75% even after paying for two major capital improvements, such as a new roof and a new water service line.Make sure you can eliminate all obvious safety and health hazards—like broken sidewalks, missing railings, lead paint, or poor lighting.

Hi folks, I’m researching various value-add investment models (fix & flips, light rehabs) and want to learn from investors who fund these regularly or those who are looking for projects to back.