Should I sell or rent?

Question

Hello, I am trying to make a decision and thought I would put my situation here to hopefully get some advise.

I own a home that is worth about $800,000-$850,000 and I owe $130,000. The property has two other dwellings that I rent out. One is a mobile bringing in $1,600 and the other is a two bedroom apartment bringing in $1,350 (but haven’t raised the rent so could be more).

I have come to a point in life where I want to make some changes. I am very interested in investing in real estate and making more passive income. I feel that my first move is crucial for starting this journey, so that’s where my question comes in.

Do I sell and take the money I profit to start investing or do I refinance, take money out to invest with, and rent my home in addition to the other two units to use as income and save for future investments? After mortgage and expenses I could bring in around $4,000 monthly between all three units.

I’m sure there are many other factors in answering this question. I am happy to answer questions to help with advise.

Thank you for reading,

Kellie

Morris Geyser · Answer

Do you have a job that supports you or do you depend on the rent from the two other dwellings you rent out?

Bud Gaffney · Answer

@Kellie Ritter RENT.

Khoa Ha · Answer

@Kellie Ritter,

Also, cash out refinance you will not get hit with a capital gain tax. If you sell you will need to pay some form of tax and that will greatly reduce your purchasing power.

Kellie Ritter · Answer

Thank you Anthony,  I agree buying at the top of the market wouldn’t be smart. I have considered renting all three properties and continue working. Purchasing a 5th wheal and staying on friends property to put all of my income from rentals and my job into investing. My other thought is renting all three properties and taking money from the refi to put down on a multi family unit and house hack. Any thoughts?

Anthony King · Answer

@Kellie Ritter cash out refi or open a HELOC. Use those funds to buy more investment properties. Do you want to move or just thinking you could better use this property for additional income? You need a place to live so in this market you'll likely pay top dollar to move unless you downsize significantly. I'd stay in the house, tap into that equity and buy additional properties that cash flow.

Kellie Ritter · Answer

Thank you both for taking the time to give your input.  It was very helpful! I appreciate it!  :)

Kushaal Malde · Answer

Refinance and invest.

Why give up something so stable with so much equity?

$4000 across 3 doors is $1300+ per door-- likely better than any cash flowing asset you would be trading into. Think about the opportunity cost of your capital.

(Refinancing should give you sufficient capital to jumpstart making more passive income.)

Morris Geyser · Answer

A lot to consider. Your acquisition strategy moving forward being a major part (what to purchase, where to purchase, when and how to purchase). If you sell now you'll walk away with a lot of money but depending on the specifics of your job you may or may not have to put a significant portion of it back into purchasing a new primary residence, you'll likely be purchasing high as well if it's within the next 6 months. Do you want to sell for any personal reasons? Because you're tired of where you're living, want to relocate? If yes, that's an important conversation but if no then it seems like you have a good platform to continue building on...a primary residence that is mostly paid off + 2 investment units + a job that you can leverage for a loan. Refinance and put that money towards as many purchases as possible seems like your best bet towards being a full time investor.

Kellie Ritter · Answer

The rent money does help support me.

Kellie Ritter · Answer

I have a job, but would like to work towards investing full time.

Should I sell or rent?

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