Any active duty military investors out there?

Question

Hello yall,

I was wondering if there is any active duty military on BP. I am going through this struggle in my mind that if I want to stay in I will have to scale back on my investing quite a bit. I just got orders to move down to Florida and then am being told the next 5 years' possibilities of moving to either Japan or the UK. I think I should just go hard for 5 years down in Florida and hopefully have a team built up by the three-year mark and be able to continue to invest while in other countries. What do yall think of this idea even if you are not military? Does anyone have a similar problem of either being on the road a lot for work or moving every couple of years?

Marcus Long · Answer

@Kristopher Kelly Some great advice from all the guys above. I've been in the UK for two years and in that time have bought a single family buy and hold, wrapping up a BRRRR where I am turning a SFH into a triplex, been a private lender on 10+ flips, invested as a limited partner in syndications on 270+ units, and recently closed on 100 units as a GP on a syndication. I've done more in the last two years than I did in the previous 15. I say that not highlight what I have done, but rather to encourage you not to let the potential of being overseas stop you. I attribute much of that to joining a mastermind and beginning to invest more in networking and building relationships. That is what also opened my eyes to new strategies then what I was previously investing in. Don't hesitate to reach out if I can help you in any way. Cheers, Marcus

Ashton Cleveland · Answer

Also an overseas military investor - there’s some excellent advice from the guys above! In my short experience, I’d say being overseas only forces you to become better quicker. Being close to my properties would allow me to “cheat” on certain aspects and not maximize my systems and team-building to where it should really be as a professional investor.

Mike Robb · Answer

Kristopher - I am active duty and an REI investor... There is plenty of different ways to invest and ways to balance those against what the active duty side is requiring in the near term - it just depends on what your looking to do. If you looking to actively flip homes than it can be done remotely however it will take some work to get all that lined up. The great part about REI is that there are tons of ways to go about it... I know plenty of folks that invest in real estate from overseas and places like Japan, however they are possibly doing different avenues than what you are trying to do. I currently lend private money as a means to grow my Self Directed Roth IRA, I also invest in passive commercial deals via Limited Partnerships - both of these entail already having capital to put to work. What is if your primary focus is the near term regarding investing? Active to generate more funds or passive plays that you are looking to put funds towards? Regarding your specific question about AD folks here on BP... Have you jumped over to the "Military Investing" section of the forums under "General Real Estate"? there are plenty of us AD folks that chat over there :) Feel free to reach out directly to discuss other investing options that balance well with the rigors of a AD lifestyle ~CheersMilitary Investing

Marcus Long · Answer

@Kristopher Kelly The key is that I haven't done it alone! It takes a team. Many people have helped me on my journey, so I'm happy to give however I can as well. I look forward to talking soon!Cheers, Marcus

Kristopher Kelly · Answer

@Marcus LongHello sir,First off...wow! You are truly an inspiration and thank you for the time to give back by giving me some tips. The networking I can definitely expand upon. I need to work on spending more time on BP and in the local area once I'm down there. I have only been in for about 2 years so I would love to hear your story more in-depth one day if you had a second. As well, I am not sure what I could ever do for you but please let me know! Thank you again for everything!

Kristopher Kelly · Answer

@Douglas SpenceHello Sir,Thank you for the insight into what to build over the next couple of months before I head down to Florida. I am currently trying to build my CORE 4 now. I will be joining a mastermind once going down there and will do more research on other possible groups that are down there as well. Thank you again for everything and ill see you around the forums and Goodluck with your future investments!

Kristopher Kelly · Answer

@Mike RobbHello Sir,Thank you so much for the insight and link to the military thread. My near-term goal would be to get a buy and hold long-term rental, found and closed on by the time I am moving to Florida. Passive plays with a good property manager for minimal oversight from me would be preferred seeing that I am gone all the time. Are you lending for those deals from your IRA or are you just taking the proceeds and contributing them to your IRA after the deal is done? I really want multiple passive plays to act as a second pension by the time I am out of the Air Force. Thank you for the help and I will definitely be messaging you if I have additional questions. Thank you again!

Thomas Corley · Answer

@Kristopher KellyI’m out of the ARMY know but when I was in I invested when I was out of country if you build a good core 4 (PM, Realtor, contractor & lender) you can invest from any were. Just take the time when you’re in FL to become familiar with the area and determine were you want to invest. Good luck and get after it!

Doug Spence · Answer

@Kristopher Kelly Active duty investor here. Its definitely possible to continue RE investing no matter what job you're doing and no matter where you are in the world. Its all about having the right team. If you think you're going to build up a solid RE portfolio by yourself (whether you're in the military or not) then you are mistaken! My recommendations:1. Join a mastermind group to push you to your potential, hold you accountable to your goals, and network with like-minded individuals. 2. Be extremely clear on your long-term goals and vision.3. Build a team of RE rockstars to help you achieve your goals, while you help them achieve theirs. Best of luck and keep us updated on your progress. Feel free to reach out to me directly if you want to connect and discuss more.

Chris Levarek · Answer

Florida is the market right now. Top moving destination. I'd say go after it. Check out the groups like ADPI and Military to Millionaire on Facebook to network with other active duty and veterans in the real estate space as well.