Two will get you Thirty: Columbus

[Justin Vincent]

I realize now that I have used this site for some time but never post. I figure if I plan to get involved in this on a more serious level its best to start contributing my thoughts and learning from the feedback.

SO... I'm a 27 year old recent graduate in the Columbus Ohio area. I closed on my first duplex (3.5% FHA) in June and am now looking to establish a 5% conventional loan for property #2, also owner occupied. My hope is to refinance property #1 into an investment loan by end of summer 2014. My approach is to do anything REI related within my means, skillsets, and curiosities.

I have looked at flipping condos so I can build more cash flow without 20% investment products.
I looked at 2 acres in a desirable part of town that had one acre that could be developed.
I keep looking at MFHs, and recently have looked into SFHs.
I'm not afraid of electrical (minus the breaker box), plumbing, drywall, and fixtures/finishes. I think I will have a decent chunk of forced appreciation in property #1 come the time for refi through a number of the above.

What advice might you have for someone trying to go the owner occupied route to investing? I know I'm limited with the number of properties I can hold, but I am afraid of making the leap to full time RE investor. My career pays me well, is enjoyable, and all debt is tied up in a car and property.

Anybody in Columbus looking to network? I am happy to provide lunch and jokes for knowledge and opinions.

Thanks BP,
- JV