Seeking First Investment Property to Start Build Generational Wealth

Seeking First Investment Property to Start Build Generational Wealth

Pari Z.Pro Member
Member since 2024 路 6 posts 路 3 votes

Hi there!

My partner and I are looking to create a portfolio of long term rental properties to create freedom and independence from our W2 jobs, and create a foundation for generational wealth. Having a toddler now has fueled and accelerated or desire to make some actual moves towards this goal. 

My partner's profession is not linked to real estate, but he is sharp as a tack when it comes to finance and financial analysis. And for over 10 years, I have been in multifamily affordable housing development, and I am very familiar with asset management, property management, construction, and tax credit financing.

We own a primary residence and plan to stay here (house hacking is not for us), and have been saving scrupulously for the down payment of our first investment property, ideally a 2-4 unit multifamily. 

Because of my professional experience, we'd prefer that our properties be nearby so we can self-manage and save the 5-8% typical of property management fees, at least until our portfolio grows. But given our high cost city and sky rocketing interest rates, early and simple analysis of any property has so far resulted in negative cash flow. 

My main goal is to understand what types of loan products are available, and we are now more open to analyzing out of state purchases.

We are eager to make our first purchase within the next 3-6 months. The mid term goal is for me to replace my W2 salary within 2 years, and shift full time to the management and expansion of our own portfolio, with the goal of replacing my partner's W2 salary within 1-2 years after that, so that he can join me. 


We have a toddler, and hope to have another kid soon, so between that and our full time jobs, life is chaos lol. But we have never felt more strongly that this is the path for us to "reduce the noise" and be in better control of our collective futures. We are both self-made, and while the goal feels daunting, we know we have it in us to hit it.


Long story short - I love my job, but I'm done making money for other people!

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Most Popular Reply

Lender 路 Seattle, WA 路 Member since 2022 路 482 posts 路 768 votes
2y

HI Pari,

There are several ways to run and make sure you are maximizing your rental income while keeping your living expense as low as possible. Try looking into zillow/Redfin and see what your potential rents you can get near the neighborhood by filtering the bedrooms/bathrooms of the intentional property that you are planning to buy. This will allow you give a reference point on how much potential rent you can receive. (Max vacated rents - your monthly mortgage payment) = +/- net cashflow.

On the other hand, you could also look into multifamily units where you can live one of the unit and rent out the other vacant units with as little as 5% down payment. The main hurdle that many of our borrowers face are the income aspect of it, especially expensive markets like the West coast. However, it allows you to use the vacant rents of 75% market rent as an alternative income to help the borrower to qualify.

Happy to connect and assist you in your real estate investing journey. @Albert Bui @Carlos Valencia

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12 Replies

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  • Andy EakesPro Member
    Property Manager 路 San Diego, CA 路 Member since 2020 路 205 posts 路 162 votes
    2y

    Welcome to BP!

  • Pari Z.Pro Member
    OP
    Member since 2024 路 6 posts 路 3 votes
    2y
    Thank you! Excited to be here!
  • Member since 2023 路 2 posts 路 1 vote
    2y

    Hi Pari, I am just getting started as well. I also live in SD.

    best of luck

  • Pari Z.Pro Member
    OP
    Member since 2024 路 6 posts 路 3 votes
    2y
    And to you, Ken!
  • Lender 路 Riverside, CA 路 Member since 2017 路 248 posts 路 98 votes
    2y

    @Pari Z. Welcome to BP! Powerful first steps 1) goal setting 2) downpayment savings 3) analyzing in-state vs. OOS investing!

  • Michael SmytheBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent 路 Metro Detroit 路 Member since 2023 路 4k+ posts 路 3k+ votes
    2y

    @Pari Z. Rising interest rates and the number of investors competing for properties is making it harder to find acquisitions that cashflow from day one.

    So, many investors are looking at lower cost areas (like our market, Detroit!)- but, many don't take the time to properly understand the higher corresponding risks involved. This leads to nightmares for them.

    We think the Midwest is a GREAT place for OOS investors to consider!

    Check out some of things happening in Detroit in 2024:

    https://michiganchronicle.com/2024/01/03/major-developments-that-will-define-detroit-in-2024/

    Your first question shouldn't be WHERE to invest (that is #2 question), but HOW you will invest!

    Many OOS investors set themselves up for failure because they don't invest the time to ACTUALLY understand:

    1) The Class of the NEIGHBORHOOD they are buying in - which is relative to the overall area.

    2) The Class of the PROPERTY they are buying - which is relative to the overall area.

    3) The Class of the TENANT POOL the Neighborhood & Property will attract - which is relative to the overall area.

    4) The Class of the CONTRACTORS that will work on their Property, given the Neighborhood location - which is relative to the overall area.

    5) The Class of the PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES (PMC) that will manage their Property, given the Neighborhood location and the Tenants it will attract - which is relative to the overall area.

    6) That a Class X NEIGHBORHOOD will have mostly Class X PROPERTIES, which will only attract Class X TENANTS, CONTRACTORS AND PMCs and deliver Class X RESULTS.

    7) That OOS property Class rankings are often different than the Class ranking of the local market they live.

    Class A is relatively easy to manage, can even be DIY remote managed from another state. Can usually allot 5-10% vacancy factor and same for maintenance.

    Class B usually also okay, but needs more attention from owner and/or PMC. Vacancy and maintenance factors should be higher than for Class A as homes will be older, have more deferred maintenance and tenants will be harder on them.

    Class C can be relatively successful with a great PMC (do NOT hire the cheapest!), but very difficult to DIY remote manage. Vacancy and maintenance factors should be higher than for Class A or B. Homes will have even more deferred maintenance and tenants will be even harder on them.

    Class D pretty much requires an OWNER to be on location and at the property 3-4 times/week. Most quality PMCs will not manage these properties as they understand most owners won鈥檛 pay them enough for the time required and even then it鈥檚 too difficult successfully manage them.
    ***Only exception is if an owner has plan & funds to reposition Class D to Class C or higher.

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/776/topics/960183-what-they-dont-tell-you-about-cheap-rental-properties?highlight_post=5562799&page=3#p5562799

    Also, SERIOUSLY consider - do you really have the time to be a DIY landlord or should you hire a PMC?

    Let us know if we can help in any other way.馃槉

    Logical Property Management4.9453 Reviews
  • Pari Z.Pro Member
    OP
    Member since 2024 路 6 posts 路 3 votes
    2y

    .

  • Julio GonzalezPro Member
    Specialist 路 West Palm Beach, FL 路 Member since 2008 路 4k+ posts 路 1k+ votes
    2y

    Welcome aboard, Pari! Your commitment to building a portfolio of long-term rental properties is truly inspiring.

    Best of luck on your journey!
    -Julio

  • Virginia FranzeseBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent 路 Member since 2022 路 71 posts 路 28 votes
    2y

    Welcome! Sounds like a VERY exciting time for you and your family!

  • Jake AndronicoBusiness Member
    Realtor 路 Reno, NV 路 Member since 2019 路 1k+ posts 路 938 votes
    2y

    @Pari Z.

    Welcome to BP! Curious if you've pulled the trigger yet. 

    I grew up just north of SF and went to school in Santa Barbara. I ended up moving to live and invest in Reno, NV. My family now resides mainly in Santa Barbara but own rentals in Reno because they visit Tahoe often. 

    I'm definitely bias, but Nevada is a close by state with lots of benefits (proximity being a big one). 

    Much more landlord friendly, no state income tax, property taxes DO NOT reassess on the sale, still strong appreciation, etc. 

    Depending on how much you have to put down, you can cash flow very well. I respect the goal of replacing your W2 and wish you the best of luck! 

    Always open to talking investments and different strategies. 

  • Lender 路 Seattle, WA 路 Member since 2022 路 482 posts 路 768 votes
    2y

    HI Pari,

    There are several ways to run and make sure you are maximizing your rental income while keeping your living expense as low as possible. Try looking into zillow/Redfin and see what your potential rents you can get near the neighborhood by filtering the bedrooms/bathrooms of the intentional property that you are planning to buy. This will allow you give a reference point on how much potential rent you can receive. (Max vacated rents - your monthly mortgage payment) = +/- net cashflow.

    On the other hand, you could also look into multifamily units where you can live one of the unit and rent out the other vacant units with as little as 5% down payment. The main hurdle that many of our borrowers face are the income aspect of it, especially expensive markets like the West coast. However, it allows you to use the vacant rents of 75% market rent as an alternative income to help the borrower to qualify.

    Happy to connect and assist you in your real estate investing journey. @Albert Bui @Carlos Valencia

  • Adam KingBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent 路 San Diego, CA 路 Member since 2023 路 87 posts 路 45 votes
    2y

    Hi @Pari Z.

    First off, let me say that I love your story. It is very similar to mine, as I used my rental income to replace my income, before jumping into real estate full time.

    I have helped multiple people this year, buy their first multifamily here in San Diego. I would love to answer any questions you may have, about how we found the properties, and how we decided the best strategy.

    Reach out to me at any time, I am here to help out!

    Adam King - NewTown Real Estate520 Reviews
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