New BiggerPockets member with hopes of House Hacking!!

New BiggerPockets member with hopes of House Hacking!!

Member since 2023 · 3 posts · 3 votes

Hi everybody, 

My name is Dorian Broadus. Brief story is that i just turned 22 years and i work as a personal trainer. I intend to begin my portfolio build with a house hack into a triplex or quadplex. I currently have 1 year left in school to graduate with a business analytics degree. 

Here is my problem: I don't know what of focus on first! I plan to save up at a high rate for a 20% down on a (tri or quad plex) in a years time. I have so many questions. 


Is it smart to move across the states to find a house within my buy box?

What tools can i use to understand how to analyze a deal faster, and with more predictability? What should i be looking for exactly!!

What should my next steps be? I was thinking of trying to wholesale a house within the year. Would that be smart?  

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Michael HaasBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Redmond, 🌧️ Seattle Investor-Agent | 🤑 Helped 400+ Clients Invest in Real Estate | 🏘️ Owns 23 WA Rentals & Airbnbs | 🏗️ Built 5 DADU's | 📈 You Can Do It Too · Member since 2016 · 724 posts · 3k+ votes
2y

Ownership is the way to go - if you can afford to own now (through househacking 0-3% down) do it. If you can't afford to own now side hustles, wholesaling, flipping, getting a raise at work, starting a company, etc are all viable to raise that capital. The specifics depend on your skillset, but the general formula of EARN-THEN-INVEST is tried and true. 

HouseHack Seattle | Michael Haas & Team572 Reviews
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  • Andrew SyriosPro Member
    Moderator
    Residential Real Estate Investor · Kansas City, MO · Member since 2014 · 10k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    2y

    Welcome aboard Dorian and house hacking is definitely the best way to get started 9 times out of 10, particularly in this market.

  • Dan GuentherBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Longmont, CO · Member since 2019 · 548 posts · 271 votes
    2y

    Hey @Dorian Broadus,

    Congrats on the milestone of turning 22 and having such ambitious plans! Your focus on real estate investing while pursuing your degree is impressive. Let's break down your questions:

    Moving Across States: It can be a strategic move if it aligns with your investment goals. Research areas with good market potential, growth prospects, and properties within your budget. Sometimes, the best deals might be in another state, but ensure you understand the market well before making such a significant move. The beauty of house hacking is that you can live anywhere in the world and make it work. I wouldn't suggest moving to a new state just because you find a "good deal" there. You want to make sure that you will be happy where ever you decide to make that first investment. 

    Analyzing Deals: To analyze deals efficiently, take some time on BP here and YouTube to learn the basics. Take some time to learn the key metrics and terminology such as cap rate, cash-on-cash return, and potential for appreciation. Dive into the area's economic trends, job market, population growth, and development plans. Understanding the neighborhood's potential for growth and stability is crucial.

    Next Steps: Wholesaling can be a great learning experience and a way to generate some capital. It allows you to understand market dynamics, network with sellers and buyers, and learn negotiation skills. However, it is not as easy as the online gurus make it seem. Being successful in wholesaling is time-consuming and can be expensive, so finding a balance with your studies and personal training work will be important. 

      Here's a suggested roadmap:

      Educate Yourself: Dive deep into real estate investment literature, attend seminars, and network with experienced investors.

      Narrow Down Your Criteria: Define your investment criteria clearly. Determine your budget, the type of property you want, and the location that aligns with your goals.

      Build Your Network: Engage with real estate agents, investors, and mentors. Their experience can provide invaluable insights. Take advantage of the networking opportunities here on BP and try to get to some local Meetups in Seattle, I know of multiple house hacker Meetups. Go up to the "learn" tab up top and then click events and you'll find some Meetups in your area. 

      Financial Preparation: Continue saving aggressively. Consider alternative financing options and improve your credit score if needed. You mentioned 20% down but if you plan to owner occupy and house hack, you have options for lower down payments (3.5% - 5%) which might get you into that first house hack sooner than you think. I'd also consider connecting with an agent that is familiar with creative financing as this could be another route to get in the door with little money out of pocket. Check out Pace Morby on YouTube for more content around creative financing. 

        Remember, each step you take in this journey is a learning opportunity. Stay adaptable and willing to adjust your strategies as you gather more knowledge and experience. 

        Best of luck and feel free to contact me to answer any specific questions you might have. 

      • Benjamin AakerPro Member
        Rental Property Investor · Brandon, SD · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
        2y
        Hi Dorian and welcome. I recommend you invest where you live to start. Have a read of The Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller for help analyzing deals. House hack a 4 unit would be my recommendation for your next step.
      • Sean SmithBusiness Member
        Real Estate Agent · Seattle, WA · Member since 2020 · 164 posts · 105 votes
        2y

        @Dorian Broadus welcome to the club! House hacking is a great start, especially when starting out. There are some well-versed Seattle house hack experts here in the forums if you do a quick search. And FYI there are many FHA and now Conventional loan programs available that allow much less than 20% on properties with 4 units or less. Best of luck out here!

        Fellow Real Estate Services537 Reviews
      • Member since 2023 · 3 posts · 3 votes
        2y
        Quote from @Dan Guenther:

        Hey @Dorian Broadus,

        Congrats on the milestone of turning 22 and having such ambitious plans! Your focus on real estate investing while pursuing your degree is impressive. Let's break down your questions:

        Moving Across States: It can be a strategic move if it aligns with your investment goals. Research areas with good market potential, growth prospects, and properties within your budget. Sometimes, the best deals might be in another state, but ensure you understand the market well before making such a significant move. The beauty of house hacking is that you can live anywhere in the world and make it work. I wouldn't suggest moving to a new state just because you find a "good deal" there. You want to make sure that you will be happy where ever you decide to make that first investment. 

        Analyzing Deals: To analyze deals efficiently, take some time on BP here and YouTube to learn the basics. Take some time to learn the key metrics and terminology such as cap rate, cash-on-cash return, and potential for appreciation. Dive into the area's economic trends, job market, population growth, and development plans. Understanding the neighborhood's potential for growth and stability is crucial.

        Next Steps: Wholesaling can be a great learning experience and a way to generate some capital. It allows you to understand market dynamics, network with sellers and buyers, and learn negotiation skills. However, it is not as easy as the online gurus make it seem. Being successful in wholesaling is time-consuming and can be expensive, so finding a balance with your studies and personal training work will be important. 

          Here's a suggested roadmap:

          Educate Yourself: Dive deep into real estate investment literature, attend seminars, and network with experienced investors.

          Narrow Down Your Criteria: Define your investment criteria clearly. Determine your budget, the type of property you want, and the location that aligns with your goals.

          Build Your Network: Engage with real estate agents, investors, and mentors. Their experience can provide invaluable insights. Take advantage of the networking opportunities here on BP and try to get to some local Meetups in Seattle, I know of multiple house hacker Meetups. Go up to the "learn" tab up top and then click events and you'll find some Meetups in your area. 

          Financial Preparation: Continue saving aggressively. Consider alternative financing options and improve your credit score if needed. You mentioned 20% down but if you plan to owner occupy and house hack, you have options for lower down payments (3.5% - 5%) which might get you into that first house hack sooner than you think. I'd also consider connecting with an agent that is familiar with creative financing as this could be another route to get in the door with little money out of pocket. Check out Pace Morby on YouTube for more content around creative financing. 

            Remember, each step you take in this journey is a learning opportunity. Stay adaptable and willing to adjust your strategies as you gather more knowledge and experience. 

            Best of luck and feel free to contact me to answer any specific questions you might have. 


             Hey Dan. Thank you so much for the information. Much appreciative and i will definitely be checking out a househack meetup in my local area soon!! 

          • Real Estate Agent · Seattle, WA · Member since 2017 · 150 posts · 80 votes
            2y

            Welcome @Dorian Broadus! You're in the right place, BP was how I got started in my real estate journey as well. I bought my first property at 24 by househacking and it's a strategy I still use today and something I advise my clients to do as well if it makes sense for them. Our team hosts a local meetup called househack seattle every month, come swing by if you're ever in the area. Feel free to DM me if you have any more questions, I'm a local realtor and happy to help :)

          • Realtor and Investor · Leawood, KS · Member since 2015 · 166 posts · 78 votes
            2y

            Just shot you d/m!👍

          • Michael HaasBusiness Member
            Real Estate Agent · Redmond, 🌧️ Seattle Investor-Agent | 🤑 Helped 400+ Clients Invest in Real Estate | 🏘️ Owns 23 WA Rentals & Airbnbs | 🏗️ Built 5 DADU's | 📈 You Can Do It Too · Member since 2016 · 724 posts · 3k+ votes
            2y

            Ownership is the way to go - if you can afford to own now (through househacking 0-3% down) do it. If you can't afford to own now side hustles, wholesaling, flipping, getting a raise at work, starting a company, etc are all viable to raise that capital. The specifics depend on your skillset, but the general formula of EARN-THEN-INVEST is tried and true. 

            HouseHack Seattle | Michael Haas & Team572 Reviews
          • Lender · Seattle, WA · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 899 votes
            2y

            @Dorian Broadus- get pre approved  for a hypothetical  scenario to  determine if you are able to get pre approval in place 

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