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Updated 4 months ago, 08/19/2024

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Frank Patalano
Pro Member
  • Rental Property Investor
  • East Providence, RI
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1,992
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So what's holding you back?

Frank Patalano
Pro Member
  • Rental Property Investor
  • East Providence, RI
Posted

When I help new investors with buying their first property I often want to know what is holding them back from pulling the trigger.

So I'll ask here. What is holding you back?

  • Frank Patalano
  • User Stats

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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    1,439
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    1,992
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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Dwayne Saxton:

    Hey Frank, I guess what’s holding me back is 3 things, Me, Myself and I. I’m currently living in New York City trying to get my first deal, and the prices of the homes here are a bit expensive. It’s quite intimidating, or at least I lead myself to believe that it is.

    I see on average homes that cost anywhere from 400,000 & up. I tell myself that cash buyers aren’t looking to pay that much to invest in homes. It’s really all just a mind game for me, that’s what’s keeping me back!

     Find a couple of cash buyers. Show them some examples. Ask them what they are looking for and what they will pay.

    Keep hustling. Don't give up.

  • Frank Patalano
  • User Stats

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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    1,439
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    1,992
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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Stephen Kincaid:

    @Frank Patalano

    I am wanting to do a fix and flip, but it is my first one and I am having difficulty learning about how to finance it.

    At he moment I am getting approved for an FHA loan but I'm not sure if that is the best route.

    Fix and flips can't always be bought FHA.

    You might need to do 203k or borrow hard money.

  • Frank Patalano
  • Rent To Retirement logo
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    Replied

    I’m very ready and eager to start with house flipping! So what’s holding me back?

    Tried to find tax delinquent files on my towns website with no success... any in depth ideas in this?

    Constantly looking through Zillow, trulia, etc. but foreclosures pop up late or gone before I call an agent. How far away is too far away to buy?

    Have SOME money, but would like to be able to take out a loan. Looks like 203k is a bit of a pain and very strict on rules. Any other ideas about loans or do I just need to find the right place for the 203k?

    Current life - sales engineer with 100% lack of passion in the industry. Been dreaming of real estate for years and just started getting some books and googling everything a few months ago. I own a townhouse I want to rent out in a very desirable neighborhood in a low crime town with lots of air bnb potential and a college 3 miles away! Idea: Airbnb June thru Dec. Rent during Spring semester to students.

    Move in with my friend who inherited a very large home and getting some cash in the deal... and we want to flip homes together to get some quick dollars at first. Then .. another avenue.. haven’t decided what because flipping a home is a big enough goal!

    Again, dreams ... because having some difficulty on where to find these homes first and FAST!! Fear isn't stopping me as much as knowledge of how to do this. My real estate license is in the plans as well. Gotta get that MLS! Is it normal to pay a real estate agent x amount to do searches on MLS for me until then?

    Side thought: Anyone ever buy a 3+ bedroom home and split it into a duplex? Seems easy enough if the place is layed out right.

    That’s my brain!! Enjoy and thanks for the responses in advance :)

    User Stats

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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    1,439
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    1,992
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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Anthony Petrozzella:

    @Frank Patalano

    Lack of experience and uncertainty

     Build knowledge for a few months.

    Then commit to taking action.

    If you can't do that find a partner with experience. 

  • Frank Patalano
  • User Stats

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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    1,439
    Votes |
    1,992
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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Jonathan Sitorus:

    @Frank Patalano for me it's mostly uncertainty. And it's uncertainty in a couple of ways. I've been in construction for the last 12 years and i just graduated college with a bachelor's degree in facility management. But I always knew that real estate investing is the way to go. So right now I am at a point in my life where i am in the middle of a career change from the job site to the office. But I am uncertain to which one I should try to focus on. When I get home from work I look at jobs in the field of my degree but then I end up looking at more properties and trying to educate myself more on REI. So I don't know right now which direction I want to go. Also I am uncertain if I should concentrate on cash flow or appreciation. I live in NY and I have family who want to invest in real estate with me me. So right now I don't know if I should concentrate on investing out of state for cash flow or buy and hold in NY and have cash flow and have appreciation. What do you think I should try to do??

     At this point in the market cycle focus on CashFlow. If the market turns down, the Cashflow of the building will hold better than the price of the buidling.

  • Frank Patalano
  • User Stats

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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    1,439
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    1,992
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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Andrew Pensch:

    @Frank Patalano

    Being self employees and making the mistake of writing off too many expenses. Now I don’t qualify for anything decent!

     I had to reread your post. 

    Options

    Get a cosigner.

    or

    use hard money. Refi later.

  • Frank Patalano
  • User Stats

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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    1,439
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    1,992
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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Gibran Del Giudice:

    @Frank Patalano money for now. I’ve spent the last two years playing with the stock market wasting money. Now I’m having a baby so I had to let that go. Currently saving money to invest in my first rental home or house hack.

     Go for a house hack. I feel that it the best opportunity out there right now.

  • Frank Patalano
  • User Stats

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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    1,439
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    1,992
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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Chris Perry:

    @Frank Patalano understanding exactly how to go about "learning my market" and analyzing deals in my market is it for me.

    In your market.

    Start by networking. Also Talk to the town planning department. 

    Go to local REIA meetings.

    find an agent. Review deals with them. 

  • Frank Patalano
  • User Stats

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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    1,439
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    1,992
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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Lassy G.:

    @Jacob Gelinas so what made you pull the trigger this time. What made you take action : buy. And do you still have the feeling that you over payed?

     Unfortunately Jacob never answers this page. I did see him a few weeks ago. He is doing well.

  • Frank Patalano
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    Kenneth Vargas
    • Wesley Chapel, FL
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    Kenneth Vargas
    • Wesley Chapel, FL
    Replied

    The only thing holding me back is no money.. Im not sure where to find it. I have the ambition but no backing... Any suggestions?? 

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    Replied

    Fear, like most new investors. Fear of getting myself into a situation that I’m not prepared to handle. As I educate myself more and analyze more properties I notice I start to slowly chip away at some of it. I think I’ve found something worth pursuing, I just have to do it.

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    Replied

    @Frank Patalano. Any suggestions on a REIT?

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    User Stats

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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    1,439
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    1,992
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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Erik Eckmann:

    @Frank Patalano

    No money. Still trying to save...

    would love to go in on something with what little money I do have tiger started.

    Was going to invest in FUNDRISE and DiversyFund but unsure if that’s the proper beginning.

     If you don't own a home, I would do a house hack.

    If you already do, consider wholesaling.

  • Frank Patalano
  • User Stats

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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Dave Tad:
    Originally posted by @Frank Patalano:
    Originally posted by @Dave Tad:

    Money holds me back!

     Why?

    You need to be strong with time, experience, OR money. If you have one of those you can succeed. Find partners to fill in for what you are lacking.

     I grew up doing construction and residential electrical with my father, and been in the trade business my whole life so I suppose that can be the 'experience' you mentioned? Going to a learning event tomorrow with a seasoned RE agent and broker. Considering getting an inspector or appraisal license

     Yes. Use that as your strength. Find a partner with money and one with time.

  • Frank Patalano
  • User Stats

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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    1,439
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    1,992
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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Jay Schultz:

    So, for me there was a lot holding me back with my first property.  Timing, wife not on board (so I got a divorce...lol), a bit of fear, other investment tools, etc.  Now that I have three doors, I have become way more aware of the "buying right" idea.  And I have a new hurdle that is holding me back: How to really buy right?  This is leading me down a number of rabbit holes.  And, is frustrating.  

     Divorce? Sounds aggressive. 🤣

    You have experience now. You have a better idea about what buying right means. Join your local REIA. Talk to like minded people.

  • Frank Patalano
  • User Stats

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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    1,439
    Votes |
    1,992
    Posts
    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Candace Bell:

    I’m very ready and eager to start with house flipping! So what’s holding me back?

    Tried to find tax delinquent files on my towns website with no success... any in depth ideas in this?

    Constantly looking through Zillow, trulia, etc. but foreclosures pop up late or gone before I call an agent. How far away is too far away to buy?

    Have SOME money, but would like to be able to take out a loan. Looks like 203k is a bit of a pain and very strict on rules. Any other ideas about loans or do I just need to find the right place for the 203k?

    Current life - sales engineer with 100% lack of passion in the industry. Been dreaming of real estate for years and just started getting some books and googling everything a few months ago. I own a townhouse I want to rent out in a very desirable neighborhood in a low crime town with lots of air bnb potential and a college 3 miles away! Idea: Airbnb June thru Dec. Rent during Spring semester to students.

    Move in with my friend who inherited a very large home and getting some cash in the deal... and we want to flip homes together to get some quick dollars at first. Then .. another avenue.. haven’t decided what because flipping a home is a big enough goal!

    Again, dreams ... because having some difficulty on where to find these homes first and FAST!! Fear isn't stopping me as much as knowledge of how to do this. My real estate license is in the plans as well. Gotta get that MLS! Is it normal to pay a real estate agent x amount to do searches on MLS for me until then?

    Side thought: Anyone ever buy a 3+ bedroom home and split it into a duplex? Seems easy enough if the place is layed out right.

    That’s my brain!! Enjoy and thanks for the responses in advance :)

     Go to town hall directly.

    I would buy within 1 hour of your house.

    Do a hard money loan.

    Most agents will search for free.

  • Frank Patalano
  • User Stats

    1,992
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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    1,439
    Votes |
    1,992
    Posts
    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Kenneth Vargas:

    The only thing holding me back is no money.. Im not sure where to find it. I have the ambition but no backing... Any suggestions?? 

    If you are ambitious, go to your local REIA. Find money partners. If you have a great deal others will be willing to partner.

  • Frank Patalano
  • User Stats

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    1,439
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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    1,439
    Votes |
    1,992
    Posts
    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Corey C.:

    Fear, like most new investors. Fear of getting myself into a situation that I’m not prepared to handle. As I educate myself more and analyze more properties I notice I start to slowly chip away at some of it. I think I’ve found something worth pursuing, I just have to do it.

     Nice job. Keep going.

  • Frank Patalano
  • User Stats

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    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    1,439
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    1,992
    Posts
    Frank Patalano
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • East Providence, RI
    Replied
    Originally posted by @Tommy Sailors:

    @Frank Patalano. Any suggestions on a REIT?

     I am invested in REITS. 

    It's great if you want something that you can sell quickly. 

    But no leverage.

  • Frank Patalano
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    Dominic Battaglia
    • Toronto ON
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    Dominic Battaglia
    • Toronto ON
    Replied

    @Frank Patalano well right now it's having enough for a down payment. I dont make the best wage currently, I've been spending a ton of time looking for a new job so I can save more to put a down payment since I need 20% here in Toronto. Also, I only qualify for a $100,000 mortgage on my own, so I need a cosigner. I went with my parents and they said they would help, but they're too slow on moving on things. We lost so many opportunities since they want to "think about it" even after showing them the analysis from bigger pockets and consistently talking about the deals. I'm looking to get a new job, save for a few more years and execute on my own now.

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    Individually: I'm pretty sure I won't get lending approved to buy a multi family property to house hack because I have huge student loan debt. I'm hoping to buy a tax foreclosures property and expand using the BRRR method in a couple of years using cash. Partner wise: I dont have experience or skills to leverage with a partner so that they could provide the funding. Any tips? Im just continuing to absorb info like a sponge.

    User Stats

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    @Frank Patalano

    The down payment; I can't live in it, I already own a small acreage; could take out a HELOC but not sure I could afford payments back on that and a mortgage....the 15-20 percent down payment

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    User Stats

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    Chris Salerno
    • Rental Property Investor
    • Charlotte NC
    183
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    306
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    Chris Salerno
    • Rental Property Investor
    • Charlotte NC
    Replied

    Myself from growing. 

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    Kristen Reyes
    • Crown Point, IN
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    Kristen Reyes
    • Crown Point, IN
    Replied

    @Frank Patalano I have not bought my first property yet. I have been reading as much as i can for about 3 weeks and have decided to go with the BRRRR strategy.

    Now what is holding me back- the idea of rehabbing a house without knowing contractors ahead of time. It will be so hard for me to get an accurate idea of a full rehab costs which would translate into big losses for me. I just worried about getting ripped off by not knowing much about house repairs.

    I guess my main fear is not knowing who to work with. The right realtors , contractors, management companies etc.

    The only other thing is knowing that I am going to invest in the right market in my area. I am in NWI btw. I know crime rates should be low, but what else do you consider when investing? Do you look at overall percentage of renters in that city?

    Thanks for taking the time to read all these and respond. You are beyond awesome!

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    Kelly Delfino
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Bonita Springs, FL
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    Kelly Delfino
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Bonita Springs, FL
    Replied

    @Frank Patalano

    Ok. I’m a realtor in a high end market that has come to a holt. I know there will be a huge demand for rentals. I’ve found an area that seems to be booming. Am doing the math or thinking about buying the land and building the duplexes.

    What do you need from me to be a financial partner??