Starting in Real Estate with $500k

[Biraj Patel]

Some background: My dad recently passed away leaving my mom with a $500k life insurance check. Live in Dallas, TX and Mom is a real estate agent (although not very connected/active) so has access to MLS. We have enough money for expenses covered, she has an IRA and I just graduated college with a job (hoping to start in real estate myself once I begin working).

What would be the best way to maximize cash flow within a 3-5 years? Been following bigger pockets for a few months. At first I thought buying one turnkey SFH per year but that process is too slow. Want to get my mom in her dream home before she is too old to enjoy it and I figured $500k is a better start than others had. Would an apartment building be a good investment? With a ~$500k down payment could look to cash flow $200k annually. Also have looked at RoofStock and HomeUnion. Since we are first time investors with our own job we are looking for something that a property manager could fully manage. Thanks in advance.

[Jaysen Medhurst]

@Biraj Patel, I'm sorry to hear about your dad. This must be a tough time for your family. Take some time to get through the hardest parts before making any big money decisions.

First with $500k down you will not cash flow $200k/year. That would be a 40% Cash-on-Cash Return. That's not happening. 10-15% is probably more reasonable, assuming you're an active participant. If you're willing to go after value-add deals, you could do a bit better and maybe even get your capital back after a few years to do subsequent deals.

If you want something truly passive, you can consider investing in syndications. Reputable syndicators are probably aiming for a 6-8% preferred return right now. There are some excellent syndicators operating in the DFW area.

Feel free to DM me, if you have any questions. (I'm not a syndicator, BTW).