Johnny Hastings

I went to the University of Wisconsin at Parkside, where I graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science in 2000. I've worked as a Software Engineer ever since, in Central WI. Several years ago it occurred to me that I'd never be happy with this corporate job thing, so I started looking for a way out. Experience: I grew up with a father that always had a handful of rentals in a bad area in Racine and Kenosha, WI. Back in 2012 I started studying and learning about real estate investing as a way to get out of the corporate world. I started touring foreclosure listing, and never saw anything that I was brave enough to scoop up. I met a realtor during that process who was showing me the properties. In early 2013 his office had a pocket listing for a distressed 12 unit. It was way more than I had considered, but I've always been bold. I purchased it, and spent a year and a half getting rid of bad tenants, doing improvments, and raising rents. It cash flowed about $1800 the month I bought it, and now it cashflows about $4K per month. I've had offers on it from realtors with clients of $205,000 more than I paid, and I turned them down. I'm looking for cashflow, and income replacement, so I can quit the day job. I have since picked up a 3 unit and a duplex, both of which cashflow alright, but nothing compared to the 12 unit. I've managed all of these properties myself since purchasing them, and have learned tons doing it; all while working a full time day job! I did acquire a Real Estate Sales License in WI along the way, though I've never actually used it for anything. Real Estate Goals: Given my successful turn around of the 12 unit, I'm looking for something similar. I don't want to own hundreds of units, I simply want enough properly to make a decent income. I'm looking for more properties like the 12 unit I bought. If I had just one more, I could finally get out of the day job. Currently Seeking: Slightly distressed 12+ unit properties in Portage or Marathon County WI.