invest multi-family home

invest multi-family home

Bay area in CA · Member since 2024 · 17 posts · 13 votes

Hi Everyone, I am glad I joined Biggerpockets to start my investment journey.

I was trying to buy my own house first but I decided my mind to buy investment property first. I am currently living in the Bay Area, California. I am looking for an agent who has experience in investing property anywhere in the States. After having one property this year, I want to expand my properties. 

I am open to investing in multi-family houses not only in California but also in the nearest states (AZ, NV, or WA). 

-ANY GOOD CASHFLOW AREAS in CA? Modesto or Stockton, Fresno, Sacramento, Central Valley?

-Any recommendations for a real estate agent, experienced in good investment properties?

Thank you for all your help!

I still don't know which area I should buy a multi-family home in California. Should I invest in the other states?

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Mike PaolucciBusiness Member
Realtor · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2022 · 492 posts · 549 votes
2y
Quote from @Hyeonji Oh:

Hi Everyone, I am glad I joined Biggerpockets to start my investment journey.

 Hi @Hyeonji Oh 

I'm originally from San Francisco, CA and started investing in 2021. It was pretty hard to find properties where the numbers and landlord laws made sense which is what ultimately led me to investing in Columbus, OH.

The numbers and landlord laws out here made sense then, and they still do today. I've been able to get a healthy combination of both cashflow and appreciation from all my properties after a little TLC. 

Here's an example of what I mean by landlord laws not making sense. On the upcoming November ballot for CA, they're tying to pass the "Justice for Renters Act." This will basically limit what you're able to charge for rent for a new tenant. Not to mention other pieces of legislation that make being a landlord in CA not the most ideal. 

Happy to share my experiences. Good luck on your REI journey and property search!!

See this reply in the discussion

23 Replies

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  • Lender · Washington DC · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2y

    Agents are tied to their "paper-route." An agent should have boots on ground and walked through hundreds of properties in an area, and sold them as well. Hard to suggest an agent for many states as they are city specific.

    Multi-family you mean more than eight units?

  • Real Estate Agent · Sacramento, CA · Member since 2023 · 15 posts · 15 votes
    2y

    Hey Hyeonji,

    I know you mentioned different locations along the central valley you were exploring for cashflowing investment properties. While I cannot speak for any of the other areas you mentioned, I can provide you some insight into the investing market here in Sacramento. 

    Population Growth: 49% Population Growth over the past 20 years, Sacramento has experienced a tremendous growth in population with individuals and investors alike coming in from the Bay Area seeking more affordable costs of living and lower barriers of entry into real estate. 

    Median Income and Job Growth: With a median income growth of 103% over the same past 20 years combined with a 2.39% job growth, Sacramento is filled with medical professionals, government jobs, and professional services. 

    Appreciation and Growth: Sacramento has seen around an estimated 256% growth in terms of median household value, with large developments planned and in progress in suburbs such as Roseville, Elk Grove, and Folsom.

    My team and I at Hardin Realty & Property Management specialize in helping investors in the greater Sacramento area. I hope I was able to provide you some insight into the market in Sacramento, if you have any more questions regarding this please feel free to reach out I'm more than happy to connect and chat!

  • Real Estate Broker · Rocklin, CA · Member since 2020 · 221 posts · 82 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Hyeonji Oh:

    Hi Everyone, I am glad I joined Biggerpockets to start my investment journey.

    I was trying to buy my own house first but I decided my mind to buy investment property first. I am currently living in the Bay Area, California. I am looking for an agent who has experience in investing property anywhere in the States. After having one property this year, I want to expand my properties. 

    I am open to investing in multi-family houses not only in California but also in the nearest states (AZ, NV, or WA). 

    -ANY GOOD CASHFLOW AREAS in CA? Modesto or Stockton, Fresno, Sacramento, Central Valley?

    -Any recommendations for a real estate agent, experienced in good investment properties?

    Thank you for all your help!

    I still don't know which area I should buy a multi-family home in California. Should I invest in the other states?

    First of all welcome to BP family! I’m from Rocklin area which is north of Sacramento. What’s your budget/price before we find a property for you. All the best!

  • Rental Property Investor · Santa Clara, CA · Member since 2016 · 219 posts · 112 votes
    2y

    Congrats on making your mind to invest @Hyonji Ho. Great move.  Finding cash flow anywhere in CA is not straight forward. You would have to at least be ready to do some renovations or search really wide and deep. Appreciation is fairly easy in bay area and anywhere in CA. But you will have to hold the property several years to get your money back, often with negative cash flow. 

    Out of state has cash flowing markets, but it is harder than buying locally. You should know markets and understand rentals business well. I would not advice that unless you know some areas and have local connections  already OOS. 

    Since you are interested in primary home also, house hacking may work best for you. Buy a fourplex, live in one and rent the rest. Will partly compensate you mortgage and insurance, and you can put you rents to take care of rest. Bay area appreciations are likely to take care of the rest. 

  • Scott ScovilleBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Sacramento, CA · Member since 2019 · 497 posts · 272 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Hyeonji Oh:

    Hi Everyone, I am glad I joined Biggerpockets to start my investment journey.

    I was trying to buy my own house first but I decided my mind to buy investment property first. I am currently living in the Bay Area, California. I am looking for an agent who has experience in investing property anywhere in the States. After having one property this year, I want to expand my properties. 

    I am open to investing in multi-family houses not only in California but also in the nearest states (AZ, NV, or WA). 

    -ANY GOOD CASHFLOW AREAS in CA? Modesto or Stockton, Fresno, Sacramento, Central Valley?

    -Any recommendations for a real estate agent, experienced in good investment properties?

    Thank you for all your help!

    I still don't know which area I should buy a multi-family home in California. Should I invest in the other states?


    Cash flow is possible in Sacramento, but mostly for creative, subject to, seller finance deals. We get a lot of those deals. Reach out if you'd like to chat more about this.

    Scoville Realty & Investments LLC
  • Bay area in CA · Member since 2024 · 17 posts · 13 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Caroline Gerardo:

    Agents are tied to their "paper-route." An agent should have boots on ground and walked through hundreds of properties in an area, and sold them as well. Hard to suggest an agent for many states as they are city-specific.

    Multi-family you mean more than eight units?


     Thank you for your reply. I should be specific about which location I prefer. 

    I am looking for 2 or 4 multi-units.

  • Bay area in CA · Member since 2024 · 17 posts · 13 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Ranjit Sandhu:
    Quote from @Hyeonji Oh:

    Hi Everyone, I am glad I joined Biggerpockets to start my investment journey.

    I was trying to buy my own house first but I decided my mind to buy investment property first. I am currently living in the Bay Area, California. I am looking for an agent who has experience in investing property anywhere in the States. After having one property this year, I want to expand my properties. 

    I am open to investing in multi-family houses not only in California but also in the nearest states (AZ, NV, or WA). 

    -ANY GOOD CASHFLOW AREAS in CA? Modesto or Stockton, Fresno, Sacramento, Central Valley?

    -Any recommendations for a real estate agent, experienced in good investment properties?

    Thank you for all your help!

    I still don't know which area I should buy a multi-family home in California. Should I invest in the other states?

    First of all welcome to BP family! I’m from Rocklin area which is north of Sacramento. What’s your budget/price before we find a property for you. All the best!

    Thank you for your reply!
    My budget is $100k. Do you have 2-4 multi unit?
  • Real Estate Broker · Rocklin, CA · Member since 2020 · 221 posts · 82 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Hyeonji Oh:
    Quote from @Ranjit Sandhu:
    Quote from @Hyeonji Oh:

    Hi Everyone, I am glad I joined Biggerpockets to start my investment journey.

    I was trying to buy my own house first but I decided my mind to buy investment property first. I am currently living in the Bay Area, California. I am looking for an agent who has experience in investing property anywhere in the States. After having one property this year, I want to expand my properties. 

    I am open to investing in multi-family houses not only in California but also in the nearest states (AZ, NV, or WA). 

    -ANY GOOD CASHFLOW AREAS in CA? Modesto or Stockton, Fresno, Sacramento, Central Valley?

    -Any recommendations for a real estate agent, experienced in good investment properties?

    Thank you for all your help!

    I still don't know which area I should buy a multi-family home in California. Should I invest in the other states?

    First of all welcome to BP family! I’m from Rocklin area which is north of Sacramento. What’s your budget/price before we find a property for you. All the best!

    Thank you for your reply!
    My budget is $100k. Do you have 2-4 multi unit?

     Not even bare land for $100k.

  • Michael DohertyBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · West Hartford, CT · Member since 2016 · 449 posts · 476 votes
    2y

    Hi - Congrats on starting your investment journey! If you ever want to consider the East Coast (Connecticut) I can be an asset for you. I am an investor friendly agent, and also have my own portfolio. 

    $100k doesn't go far out here but there are still deals to be had. 2 family, full rehabs in the lower to mid $100k range come my way occasionally. 

    DM me if I can be of any assistance to you!

  • Jake AndronicoBusiness Member
    Realtor · Reno, NV · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 938 votes
    2y

    @Hyeonji Oh

    Welcome to BP!! Sent you a PM. 

  • New to Real Estate · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2023 · 19 posts · 11 votes
    2y

    Welcome to BP! I'm going to send you a PM.

  • Mike PaolucciBusiness Member
    Realtor · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2022 · 492 posts · 549 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Hyeonji Oh:

    Hi Everyone, I am glad I joined Biggerpockets to start my investment journey.

     Hi @Hyeonji Oh 

    I'm originally from San Francisco, CA and started investing in 2021. It was pretty hard to find properties where the numbers and landlord laws made sense which is what ultimately led me to investing in Columbus, OH.

    The numbers and landlord laws out here made sense then, and they still do today. I've been able to get a healthy combination of both cashflow and appreciation from all my properties after a little TLC. 

    Here's an example of what I mean by landlord laws not making sense. On the upcoming November ballot for CA, they're tying to pass the "Justice for Renters Act." This will basically limit what you're able to charge for rent for a new tenant. Not to mention other pieces of legislation that make being a landlord in CA not the most ideal. 

    Happy to share my experiences. Good luck on your REI journey and property search!!

  • Real Estate Investor · alexandria, VA · Member since 2008 · 26 posts · 5 votes
    2y

    What did you end up buying?

  • Bay area in CA · Member since 2024 · 17 posts · 13 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Mike Paolucci: 
    Quote from @Hyeonji Oh:

    Hi Everyone, I am glad I joined Biggerpockets to start my investment journey.

     Hi @Hyeonji Oh 

    I'm originally from San Francisco, CA and started investing in 2021. It was pretty hard to find properties where the numbers and landlord laws made sense which is what ultimately led me to investing in Columbus, OH.

    The numbers and landlord laws out here made sense then, and they still do today. I've been able to get a healthy combination of both cashflow and appreciation from all my properties after a little TLC. 

    Here's an example of what I mean by landlord laws not making sense. On the upcoming November ballot for CA, they're tying to pass the "Justice for Renters Act." This will basically limit what you're able to charge for rent for a new tenant. Not to mention other pieces of legislation that make being a landlord in CA not the most ideal. 

    Happy to share my experiences. Good luck on your REI journey and property search!!


     Thank you for replying and sharing the information. I almost give up buying mfh in CA. (keep trying)

    I am interested in out-of-state investing these days and heard of the Columbus OH market which has good cash flow. How's your journey so far? Is there an area applying for a 1% rule in this tough market in Columbus?

  • Samuel DioufBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus & Cleveland, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Hyeonji Oh:
    Quote from @Mike Paolucci: 
    Quote from @Hyeonji Oh:

    Hi Everyone, I am glad I joined Biggerpockets to start my investment journey.

     Hi @Hyeonji Oh 

    I'm originally from San Francisco, CA and started investing in 2021. It was pretty hard to find properties where the numbers and landlord laws made sense which is what ultimately led me to investing in Columbus, OH.

    The numbers and landlord laws out here made sense then, and they still do today. I've been able to get a healthy combination of both cashflow and appreciation from all my properties after a little TLC. 

    Here's an example of what I mean by landlord laws not making sense. On the upcoming November ballot for CA, they're tying to pass the "Justice for Renters Act." This will basically limit what you're able to charge for rent for a new tenant. Not to mention other pieces of legislation that make being a landlord in CA not the most ideal. 

    Happy to share my experiences. Good luck on your REI journey and property search!!


     Thank you for replying and sharing the information. I almost give up buying mfh in CA. (keep trying)

    I am interested in out-of-state investing these days and heard of the Columbus OH market which has good cash flow. How's your journey so far? Is there an area applying for a 1% rule in this tough market in Columbus?


     1% rule deals still exist here in Columbus, Ohio. You can find a lot of them off-market. 

  • Mike PaolucciBusiness Member
    Realtor · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2022 · 492 posts · 549 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Hyeonji Oh:
    Quote from @Mike Paolucci: 
    Quote from @Hyeonji Oh:

    Hi Everyone, I am glad I joined Biggerpockets to start my investment journey.

     Hi @Hyeonji Oh 

    I'm originally from San Francisco, CA and started investing in 2021. It was pretty hard to find properties where the numbers and landlord laws made sense which is what ultimately led me to investing in Columbus, OH.

    The numbers and landlord laws out here made sense then, and they still do today. I've been able to get a healthy combination of both cashflow and appreciation from all my properties after a little TLC. 

    Here's an example of what I mean by landlord laws not making sense. On the upcoming November ballot for CA, they're tying to pass the "Justice for Renters Act." This will basically limit what you're able to charge for rent for a new tenant. Not to mention other pieces of legislation that make being a landlord in CA not the most ideal. 

    Happy to share my experiences. Good luck on your REI journey and property search!!


     Thank you for replying and sharing the information. I almost give up buying mfh in CA. (keep trying)

    I am interested in out-of-state investing these days and heard of the Columbus OH market which has good cash flow. How's your journey so far? Is there an area applying for a 1% rule in this tough market in Columbus?


     Just sent you a dm 

  • Investor · Member since 2024 · 14 posts · 10 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Hyeonji Oh:

    Hi Everyone, I am glad I joined Biggerpockets to start my investment journey.

    I was trying to buy my own house first but I decided my mind to buy investment property first. I am currently living in the Bay Area, California. I am looking for an agent who has experience in investing property anywhere in the States. After having one property this year, I want to expand my properties. 

    I am open to investing in multi-family houses not only in California but also in the nearest states (AZ, NV, or WA). 

    -ANY GOOD CASHFLOW AREAS in CA? Modesto or Stockton, Fresno, Sacramento, Central Valley?

    -Any recommendations for a real estate agent, experienced in good investment properties?

    Thank you for all your help!

    I still don't know which area I should buy a multi-family home in California. Should I invest in the other states?



    Kentucky is a fantastic place to invest in real estate. The state offers great cash flow opportunities and a growing rental market.

    Best of luck with your investment!



  • Robert EllisBusiness Member
    Developer · Miami, FL · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Samuel Diouf:
    Quote from @Hyeonji Oh:
    Quote from @Mike Paolucci: 
    Quote from @Hyeonji Oh:

    Hi Everyone, I am glad I joined Biggerpockets to start my investment journey.

     Hi @Hyeonji Oh 

    I'm originally from San Francisco, CA and started investing in 2021. It was pretty hard to find properties where the numbers and landlord laws made sense which is what ultimately led me to investing in Columbus, OH.

    The numbers and landlord laws out here made sense then, and they still do today. I've been able to get a healthy combination of both cashflow and appreciation from all my properties after a little TLC. 

    Here's an example of what I mean by landlord laws not making sense. On the upcoming November ballot for CA, they're tying to pass the "Justice for Renters Act." This will basically limit what you're able to charge for rent for a new tenant. Not to mention other pieces of legislation that make being a landlord in CA not the most ideal. 

    Happy to share my experiences. Good luck on your REI journey and property search!!


     Thank you for replying and sharing the information. I almost give up buying mfh in CA. (keep trying)

    I am interested in out-of-state investing these days and heard of the Columbus OH market which has good cash flow. How's your journey so far? Is there an area applying for a 1% rule in this tough market in Columbus?


     1% rule deals still exist here in Columbus, Ohio. You can find a lot of them off-market. 


     you can build them too in columbus and they aren't 100 years old or 60 years old 

  • Robert EllisBusiness Member
    Developer · Miami, FL · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Hyeonji Oh:
    Quote from @Mike Paolucci: 
    Quote from @Hyeonji Oh:

    Hi Everyone, I am glad I joined Biggerpockets to start my investment journey.

     Hi @Hyeonji Oh 

    I'm originally from San Francisco, CA and started investing in 2021. It was pretty hard to find properties where the numbers and landlord laws made sense which is what ultimately led me to investing in Columbus, OH.

    The numbers and landlord laws out here made sense then, and they still do today. I've been able to get a healthy combination of both cashflow and appreciation from all my properties after a little TLC. 

    Here's an example of what I mean by landlord laws not making sense. On the upcoming November ballot for CA, they're tying to pass the "Justice for Renters Act." This will basically limit what you're able to charge for rent for a new tenant. Not to mention other pieces of legislation that make being a landlord in CA not the most ideal. 

    Happy to share my experiences. Good luck on your REI journey and property search!!


     Thank you for replying and sharing the information. I almost give up buying mfh in CA. (keep trying)

    I am interested in out-of-state investing these days and heard of the Columbus OH market which has good cash flow. How's your journey so far? Is there an area applying for a 1% rule in this tough market in Columbus?


     not tough at all you can build and hit that on multifamily 

  • Scott ScovilleBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Sacramento, CA · Member since 2019 · 497 posts · 272 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Hyeonji Oh:

    Hi Everyone, I am glad I joined Biggerpockets to start my investment journey.

    I was trying to buy my own house first but I decided my mind to buy investment property first. I am currently living in the Bay Area, California. I am looking for an agent who has experience in investing property anywhere in the States. After having one property this year, I want to expand my properties. 

    I am open to investing in multi-family houses not only in California but also in the nearest states (AZ, NV, or WA). 

    -ANY GOOD CASHFLOW AREAS in CA? Modesto or Stockton, Fresno, Sacramento, Central Valley?

    -Any recommendations for a real estate agent, experienced in good investment properties?

    Thank you for all your help!

    I still don't know which area I should buy a multi-family home in California. Should I invest in the other states?


    Most of the cash flow were finding in Sacramento is off market seller finance. However, lot's of great buy and holds on the market, and the flip market is still viable in certain parts of town. 

    Scoville Realty & Investments LLC
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