Advice on how to get started in multifamily

[Arta Montero]

I refinanced one of my rentals and will get $130k at 3.9% plus can get another 100k loan against my Roth at about 4.25% plus I have another 170k cash of my own

I also have 401k and other retirement accounts that I could possibly use to get by if needed or can get more loans.

Based on above I have about $400k that I could possibly use as a downpayment, but could get more but wondering if I should limit my buying power to 1M to start with since all new to this and in case I get a bad deal I may be able to work around it or should I use max purchase power to start with.

Wondering what would be your advice if you were in my situation. Would you use max buying power to start with or limit to start with. Husband and I work full time as well and we have two salaries.

[Arn Cenedella]

Arta:

Whatever you do, be sure your have a good capital reserve AFTER PURCHASE.

I would scale purchase to ensure you have cash in the bank to provide support when needed.

The capital reserve might be 6 to 9 months of principal interest property taxes and insurance.

If you buy a value add and have an estimate of CAP Ex, maybe increase that by 25% to 50%.

Having a large capital reserve will lower returns, but you will sleep better at night knowing that you have cash in reserve when needed.

I will be interested to hear what other BP folks advise.

Good luck!

Arn