Seeking Advice on Real Estate Investment Strategy for Mom's Retirement

[Nixon C.]

Hey fellow investors,

I wanted to reach out to the community for some advice on a potential real estate investment strategy I've been considering.

To give you a bit of background, I currently reside in Southern California and am eager to dive into the world of real estate investing to secure a financial foundation for my retirement. Fortunately, I have a 401K through my job and have built up some equity from my primary residence.

On the other hand, my mom, who is turning 60, is facing retirement without any dedicated funds. She's a single mother who migrated to the US from Southeast Asia and, lacking much formal education or guidance on retirement savings, has been working as a caregiver for the elderly for most of her life. She supported me through school, and now that I'm stable in my career, I want to return the favor by helping her build a retirement nest egg.

Her financial situation isn't ideal, with maybe only about $40K to her name and no significant assets. I'm considering a real estate investment strategy to assist her, where she would contribute whatever cash she has saved towards cash-flowing properties in the Midwest. The idea is for her to be a silent partner, while I take on the more active role of finding deals and managing the properties.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences on whether this could be a realistic strategy to get me started in real estate investing while at the same time help her establish a source of retirement income in the next 5-10 years. Do you think it's feasible, or is it potentially too late for her to benefit from such an investment? Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!

Looking forward to your input.

[Dan H.]

If someone asked me if they should invest their life savings with a rookie RE sponsor, my answer would be H3ll no!

Despite your good intentions, that is what you are asking.  In this RE environment, I think you are as likely to lose the money as make a good return.   

With current safe returns where they are such as CDs, that is where I would park the money.  Maybe educate on notes or RE, but start investing with your own money.  Once you have things figured out and significant experience then maybe you are ready to risk your mom’s lifetime savings. You are not there.

I think the more likely scenario is you calculate in supplementing your mom’s living expenses.  She paid your way for many years, now it is your turn.  

Good luck